By
Rebecca Gibson |
Four internationally renowned teams of architects and engineers have submitted proposals for the design and construction of a new cruise terminal in Liverpool, UK
The new terminal has been proposed as a permanent replacement for the current temporary cruise facility at Pier Head, which opened in September 2007. Larger in size, the new terminal which would sit just 300 metres down the river at the former Princes Jetty and would be able to handle ships making turnaround calls with up to 3,600 passengers. If completed, the new facility would include a much larger passenger and baggage terminal, passport control, lounge, café, toilets, taxi rank, a vehicle pick up point and a car park.
Liverpool City Council, which operates the port’s existing cruise facility, will consider the proposals and is also exploring ways of financing any new development, which sources predict could cost at least £40 million (US$49 million).
“I have always been clear that my priorities are to protect the most vulnerable in our city and to grow the economy,” said Joe Anderson, the city’s mayor. “We have a duty to go on delivering major capital schemes that will bring major economic benefits such as investment in roads and investment in big regeneration projects like the cruise liner terminal bringing in visitors.”
Since Liverpool became a turnaround facility in 2012, vessel numbers have doubled from 31 to 63, while passenger numbers have risen from 38,000 and are set to surpass 100,000 passengers in 2017. This generated £7 million for the local economy in 2016 alone.
“Liverpool’s cruise industry has blossomed over the past decade, helping to transform the tourism appeal of Liverpool and give the Mersey a new lease of life,” said Angie Redhead, head of Cruise Operations and chair of CruiseBritain. “I’m privileged to be part of such a thriving, dynamic and forward thinking maritime community in the city I love and I’m really looking forward to our continued growth and success in the future as we develop plans for a new, larger cruise terminal.”