A commission has been set up to lead on developing the proposals for a new "world class" railway station in Liverpool city centre.
The Liverpool City Region's combined authority said today that the facility would connect the area to HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail - and a commission has been launched to kick start the plan.
It met on Tuesday for the first time, and featuring politicians, businesspeople and transport experts, it will now take forward the proposals.
Chaired by Everton Football Club CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale, the commission will be tasked with identifying and considering options for its location, size and functions, and the potential for significant regeneration and redevelopment associated with a new city centre station.
Professor Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief executive of Everton Football Club, said she was "honoured" to chair the commission.
She said: "The project will not only create a world-class transport hub and gateway to the Liverpool City Region which is fit for the 21st century, it will bring optimism and opportunity as we emerge from the effects of COVID-19.
“The city region is faced with the momentous task of rebuilding its economy after the pandemic. This project is exactly what is needed to boost the region and bring much needed jobs and prosperity to the area, something I am extremely passionate about and committed to.
“I am under no illusions - projects such as this do not materialise overnight - but I will use my experience to lead the Station Commission and bring this project to fruition.
“I look forward to collaborating with colleagues on the board and promise to drive this project forward for the people of the Liverpool City Region.”
The panel will inform and support the development of business cases, feasibility studies, economic analysis and master planning as proposals progress, ensuring integration with relevant external programmes, such as Northern Powerhouse Rail.
Transport for the North’s Strategic Transport Plan includes plans to ensure that Liverpool City Region will benefit from a full connection to both Northern Powerhouse Rail and HS2.
The plan also recognises the need for a new station to accommodate new 21st century trains and to link HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail in to the city region’s local transport infrastructure.
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “I want our region maximise the huge opportunities that HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail offer. The current capacity at Lime Street isn’t enough to cope with significantly larger high-speed trains, so we want to construct a brand-new station that will provide world-class facilities to welcome visitors to our world-class city region.
“When it is built, it will be much more than a rail station. I want it to be an architecturally stunning gateway which offers a mix of leisure, retail and office accommodation.
“I have always said that connectivity is critical to our ambitious proposals. Having the facility for improved services North/South, but also West/East, would both cut passenger journey times whilst also increasing freight capacity, bringing much needed environmental, social and economic benefits for our area and the whole country.”
