Liverpool set to buy cruise liner facility
The city council is to discuss plans to buy the temporary cruise liner facility in Princes Parade, and add a 4,300 sq ft extension.
A report ahead of a cabinet meeting on Friday 9 January has recommended that the council purchase the structure from Smart Space, and extend the facility so it can deal with up to 1,800 passengers per vessel. The terminal sits on a plot that is rented from Peel Ports.
According to Cllr Malcolm Kennedy, cabinet member for regeneration, the cost of buying the building and the improvements would still amount to less than half of the cost of continuing to rent it. There was no comment as to the exact cost of the purchase and the improvements.
The council confirmed that it will continue to explore the building of a permanent facility on the waterfront.
The initial agreement with Peel Ports in 2011 was that the temporary building would be leased during the cruise season from 2012 to 2015. The council will enter into negotiations with Peel to rent the plot for a further three years.
The facility provides check in, baggage drop and reclaim, as well as customs and border facilities.
The council said it expected 54 ships in 2015 with more than 80,000 passengers, a 40% increase on 2014.
This year will see the 175th anniversary of the Cunard Cruise Line, with celebration events on 25 May and 4 July.
Trusting that Liverpool City Council have done all the checks they need – they are still allowed to use it – its suitable to extend – suitable and fit for purpose (ie not Cunard)
By Donna Kebab
UPDATE: The facility is being bought from Smart Space, the site will still be rented from Peel.
By Ed
So does that mean the councillor did not know?
By Donna Kebab