Liverpool to give the public a look at cruise terminal plans

The local authority in the west coast UK port has long held ambitions to increase turnaround capacity at its existing facility, in service exactly 10 years this month.

Now the City Council, which operates the current terminal, and its partners, including port owners and operators Peel, are to share their latest plans with other stakeholders and members of the public.

Both the existing terminal and proposed expanded facility border a major regeneration area of the Liverpool waterfront which already has mixed-use commercial and residential developments. The two-day consultation, Wednesday and Thursday, gives all interested parties the opportunity to learn more.

A site for the development next to the existing floating pontoon at Princes Parade has already been identified. The Council said it plans a 'statement building on a new suspended deck structure in the River Mersey.'

Earlier this year, the City Council appointed engineering consultancy Ramboll to lead a technical team to develop the facility, with a planning application expected to be submitted later this year.

The design team includes architects Stride Treglown, cost managers Gardiner & Theobald, planning and property consultants JLL and landscape architects Hyland Edgar Driver.

Tender documents for procurement of a main contractor are expected to be issued in the later part of next month. In the meantime, tenders have been invited for progressing the site investigation works, the Council sad.

Subject to planning and funding approval, construction is expected to start in summer 2018. No details of build and commissioning timeline have been published.

'We want to welcome the next generation of super-liners and passengers to the Mersey and provide a world-class welcome and a five-star experience,' Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson told Seatrade Cruise News. 'That is why we have put together one of the very best teams of experts to ensure we build a facility to the very highest standards.

'I expect this consultation event will be very popular. We’re excited by the plans and we’re keen for the public to see them.'

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