By
Michele Witthaus |
Liverpool’s new Pier Head landing stage for Mersey Ferries opened to passengers on 9 January following an £8 million construction project to replace temporary facilities in place since the old landing stage sank in 2006.
In addition to the ferry service, the new landing stage is home to the Merseyside Fire and Rescue (MFRS) river based community fire station. The operation of the Pier Head facility, which attracted £3.8 million of match funding from the European Regional Development Fund, will continue the ongoing collaboration between Merseytravel, MFRS and Peel Ports.
The scheme is the result of significant investment, said Councillor Mark Dowd, chair of Merseytravel. “We now boast a world class departure point for the ferries. We know our passengers, from near and far, will appreciate the new facilities, and it demonstrates our commitment to the region’s visitor economy.”
Neil Scales, chief executive of Merseytravel commented: “This has been a significant project for Merseytravel, and a long time coming. We are delighted to see the world famous Mersey Ferries calling once again at the spiritual home in front of the Three Graces. Our tourism strategy contributes more than £34 million and the equivalent of 742 full-time jobs to the region’s economy each year.”
Environmental considerations were high on the construction agenda, as Scales explained: “It was important to make sure that as well as providing a comfortable waiting experience for ferry passengers, the landing stage reflected the environmental standards displayed in the landside ferry terminal building, which is recognised nationally for its sustainable credentials.”
Rainwater will be harvested from the Pier Head Terminal building for recycling and there is extensive insulation to retain heat and to keep the structures cool in warm weather. Blue tinted glass minimises heat and glare from the sun and river washed pebbles used for the roof finish reflect sunlight to keep the structures cool.
Sir Howard Bernstein, deputy chair of the North West European Regional Development Fund Local Management Committee, said: “The new Pier Head landing stage represents an excellent improvement in facilities which will be felt by both visitors to the region and regular local users – the local economy, businesses and people will all benefit.”
Pictured (left to right): Dan Stephens, chief fire officer, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, councillor Tony Newman, chair of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority, Neil Scales, chief executive Merseytravel and councillor Mark Dowd, chair of Merseytravel.