Liverpool city councillors have given the go-ahead for a new £100m Merseyrail train station to be built in on the edge of the city centre.
The plans - which have been in the pipeline for years - were officially submitted last November by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. They involve redeveloping the disused former St James Station, located midway between Liverpool Central Station and Brunswick Station.
The site is situated in an existing cutting on the Northern Line of the Merseyrail network, where an underground train station once stood but was closed in 1917. Construction could begin as early as the end of this year, with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram hoping passengers will be able to use the new station by late 2027.
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The development could support hundreds of jobs and deliver 17,000 journeys per day once open. Last September, members of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority approved £96m of funding for the project.
The new Liverpool Baltic station will comprise an overground single-storey building with a tall wraparound parapet, a mezzanine level, expanded underground platforms and four lift/emergency exit shafts. The ticket lobby and staff facilities are planned to be situated at ground level.
The Combined Authority envisions the proposed development as a "modern, accessible transport hub of civic importance, significantly contributing to the revitalisation of the Baltic Triangle neighbourhood and surrounding areas.", reports .
It is estimated that the construction phase will create around 330 jobs regionally and generate £155m in benefits over a 60-year period upon completion.
However, during a meeting at Liverpool Town Hall on Tuesday, while councillors on the planning committee welcomed the plans for the new station, concerns were raised about the impact on parking for local residents and businesses.
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Ashwell Motors, a garage based in Ashwell Street near the site of the proposed new station for 40 years, claims it will cease operations if the plans proceed in their current form due to the impact on customer parking.
Owner Paul Garrett, speaking through a representative at the meeting, expressed his dismay: "After 40 years of hard work, employing local people and being proud of my city, I am distraught that no workable solution has been found. This decision will result in the catastrophic collapse of a 40-year business."
Concerns over potential parking issues surrounding the upcoming Liverpool Baltic Station were discussed by councillors, who were assured by highways officers that a residents' parking scheme in the vicinity is not currently required but could be introduced once the station becomes operational. The Combined Authority is willing to consider such initiatives if problems arise.
After the development plans for Liverpool Baltic Station received unanimous approval from councillors on the committee, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram expressed his satisfaction: "Planning permission was another major milestone for the Liverpool Baltic station scheme and I'm delighted we are now passed that and ready to get work underway.
"This is another step in our vision to build a fully integrated London-style transport system. We're extending Merseyrail to more communities with future stations already planned in Daresbury, Woodchurch and Carr Mill. I believe good quality public transport is a right, not a privilege.
"For decades there were no new stations built on our network, so this is another major milestone in the development of the expansion of rail services in our region. It's not just about improving connectivity – it's about creating new opportunities, connecting our communities to jobs, education, and each other, and contributing to a healthier, greener Liverpool City Region.
"Investing almost £100 million at the heart of one of the 海角视频's most vibrant areas, will help to make this part of the city more accessible to all while easing congestion and helping us achieve our net-zero targets."