Isle of Man Government signs deal for Liverpool ferry terminal

The Isle of Man Government and Peel have agreed a long-term leasehold for a new ferry terminal at Princess Half Tide Dock in Liverpool with the development scheduled to open in 2021.

Located around 800 metres downriver of the existing Pier Head facility, which is being redeveloped as part of the city council’s plan to relocate its cruise liner terminal, the Isle of Man terminal will be linked to the city with a new access road, and will have the capacity to handle loads of up 120 tonnes.

This will allow it to be used by Peel for freight during weekends in winter, and the terminal will also be able to handle bus, coach, and commercial traffic all year round.

A planning application is expected to be submitted in the coming months, with completion set for 2021.

The announcement closely follows confirmation the city’s cruise terminal had secured a £20m grant to allow construction to begin in earnest. This new terminal will host cruise ships year round, and will be built by contractor McLaughlin & Harvey. It sits roughly opposite the proposed Isle of Man terminal.

Nearby, the city council is working up plans for a 200-bed hotel with contractor Wates, while an 1,800-space car park will also be built as part of the development.

A location map of the new terminal

The Isle of Man’s minister for infrastructure, Ray Harmer, said: “Establishing the Island’s own ferry terminal in Liverpool is vital for providing security for our social and economic wellbeing, and the need to secure such a strategically important asset was acknowledged in the programme for Government.

“The proposed terminal will provide significant improvements for those using ferry services and will also be used to host events that will boost our reputation with businesses and potential visitors across the North West of England.”

Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, said: “The new Isle of Man Terminal is a critical piece in our regeneration plans for the north shore of Liverpool and I’m delighted that this deal has been struck between the Isle of Man Government and Peel to progress the scheme.

“The City Council is investing a huge amount of money in the transport infrastructure to support this new facility and we look forward to its completion.

“The Isle of Man and Liverpool have a historic relationship and this new ferry terminal will cement our strong links and forge even closer ties into the future.”