Mayors launch new Liverpool-Manchester Railway Board to boost connections between cities

Improved rail links between Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region have moved closer to being realised with the creation of a new Liverpool-Manchester Railway Board by the two city-regions’ mayors.

Recently re-elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, and Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram launched the new body on the 200th anniversary of the world’s first inter-city passenger railway which first linked the two cities by train in 1824. Alongside the launch of the Board, preferred plans for investment in rail infrastructure between the two city-regions was also announced.

Plans include transformational investment in city centre stations in Liverpool and a modern, underground station at Manchester Piccadilly. A new, high-speed rail line would run through new stations at Warrington Bank Quay and Manchester Airport, connecting the Investment Zones in Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester via prime development sites.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

“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.”

Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, said:

“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.”

The announcement of the Liverpool-Manchester Railway Board was made at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREIIF), and follows an invitation from government to propose improved connections between the two cities. The link will go on to form part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail East-West links across the entire North, and is bring brought forward following the cancellation of HS2’s Northern Leg last year.

The new Board will be chaired by the two Mayors with the leaders of Manchester City Council, Cllr Bev Craig, and Liverpool City Council, Cllr Liam Robinson, serving as vice-chairs, and will involve local authorities along the route, as well as the Port of Liverpool, Manchester Airports Group, and other stakeholder organisations.

The Board will be tasked with working with the government and engaging with the private sector to help build the business case for the most ambitious line possible. Expressions of interest are now being invited from private sector partners who are interested in engaging with the Board.