Major funding package signed off to build new Liverpool Baltic station

A multi-million pound package of funding has been signed off to get the construction of Liverpool Baltic station underway. Members of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority have given the go-ahead to £96m being drawn down to open the new stop on the edge of the city centre.

Redevelopment of the long unused stop on the edge of the city centre was announced in 2022 with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram aiming to get passengers on track by 2027. It is now thought the station, which will be located on the northern line, will be opened closer to the end of that year.

With the cash now agreed, a formal planning application could be submitted to Liverpool Council next month. Pending approvals from the Department for Transport, construction is expected to begin on site next year.

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Mr Rotheram said the project would deliver “generational change” for the Baltic area and improve connectivity for a part of the city not touched for decades. He said: “This is delivering transformational change across the city region.

“Our investments support the Labour government’s missions to create growth. It’s with great excitement I can announce the allocation of £96m, the impact of this will be felt across the city and wider city region.

“The more I visit it, the more you can see the need for this.” The investment will fund the new station, alongside improvements to active travel and surrounding public spaces, following significant support from a public consultation.

Plans for Liverpool Baltic include step-free access from the street to the train, passenger waiting facilities, accessible toilets, secure cycle parking, and improved links to the area’s walking and cycling networks. These enhancements aim to encourage more people to choose public transport, supporting the region’s climate goals.

The £96 million required for the station will come from the £710 million City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), dedicated to major transport projects across the city region. This included upgrades to access in Southport, active travel options throughout four local authority areas and support for housing in St Helens at Peasley Cross, as well as active travel infrastructure and junction upgrades at the M57 in Knowsley.

Mr Rotheram also confirmed as part of work going on to upgrade bus services in St Helens, an additional 50 electric double decker buses would be purchased to join the transport fleet.