The Mayors of Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region have come together to launch a new rail board, which will help to maximise the economic and social benefits of the new railway proposed between the two city regions.
After the scrapping of the northern legs of HS2, the high speed rail link between Liverpool and Manchester will improve connectivity between the two largest cities in the north, as well as the Investment Zones in Liverpool. Developments to come through the project will also include new stations at Warrington Bank Quay, Manchester Airport and Manchester Piccadilly.
The Liverpool-Manchester Railway Board will support the progress of a place-based, bottom-up approach to the transport link, as this contributes to the turbocharging of the economy. Chairing the board will be the two mayors, whilst Cllrs Bev Craig and Liam Robinson (leaders of the two city councils) will serve as vice-chairs. The local authorities that are involved along the proposed route, the Port of Liverpool, Manchester Airports Group, and other stakeholders will also sit on the board.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, commented:
“Our region was home to the first inter-city railway anywhere in the world, but today our rail network is now not fit for purpose after decades of underinvestment. The scale of economic opportunity right along the line is huge, with Investment Zones in both city-regions and several major development sites, but the North West can only reach its potential with better rail connectivity.
“We’ve been successful in making the case to government for our preferred options – in Greater Manchester that means a new, underground station at Piccadilly. The new Board will help us accelerate these plans and capitalise on a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build the railway the North needs.”
Work for the board will include engagement with the government and the private sector, to ensure that the strongest possible business case is built for the line.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram added:
“From the world’s first passenger railway powered by Stephenson’s Rocket to the Dockers’ Umbrella, our region has been revolutionising Britain’s railways for centuries. But sadly, regions across the North have been forced to contend with infrastructure that wouldn’t look out of place 100 years ago. It suffocates growth and holds the country’s economy back.
“Transformative investment in better rail connectivity between our two city regions cannot and is more than just a regional project. This is a nationally important infrastructure scheme that would help to unlock the North’s enormous potential and deliver a greater return to the Treasury.
“There are fantastic, passionate leaders across the North in business, infrastructure and a wide range of sectors. We want their help: come and join us to deliver the same transformation that the Liverpool Manchester Railway did 200 years ago.”
Image credit: iStock and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
