The contract was announced today following a tender process launched last December by Liverpool City Council, operators of the west coast UK city’s existing facility.
Initial task for the Ramboll-led team will be to develop a detailed design of the proposed development which is intended to offer facilities capable of handling 3,600 passengers. Simultaneously, the Council will prepare and submit an outline business case to secure a £20m ($29m) contribution to the project from Liverpool City Region’s Strategic Investment Fund.
Although the Council said it expects a detailed planning application to be submitted before the end of this year, no further details of construction timeline have been given. Sources said a provisional opening date of March 2020 is being targeted.
The city has already identified the site for the proposed terminal to be close to the existing pontoon facility fronting Liverpool’s World Heritage Site waterfront.
The entire development is likely to include a 200-room hotel and 1,100-space, multi-storey car park close by.
In a separate contract, a new access road for this area of the waterfront has been approved. This is intended to improve traffic flow to and from the proposed new terminal and existing amenities on the banks of the River Mersey.
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson told Seatrade Cruise News: 'Liverpool needs a new cruise facility so that we can provide the next generation of super-liners and passengers with a world-class welcome and a five-star experience. Appointing Ramboll to lead this very experienced technical team is a key step in ensuring we develop a facility to the highest standards.'
The team announced today also includes architects Stride Treglown, cost managers Gardiner & Theobald, planning and property consultants JLL and landscape architects Hyland Edgar Driver.
'The cruise terminal project is one of vital importance to Liverpool,' Ramboll project director Dave Grove said. 'I am confident that we can deliver a design that will meet the highest standards and needs of all who will use the facility,' he added.
The City Council said that subject to planning, funding and business case approval, the announced team will go forward to manage and assist construction and contractor procurement.
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