The Mayors of the Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester have launched a new Liverpool-Manchester Railway Board to enable both cities to become more closely connected and maximise the social and economic benefits of a new railway. The board was presented on the 200th anniversary of the formation of the original Liverpool and Manchester Railway Company, which oversaw the construction of the first inter-city passenger railway. The plans involve significant investment in city centre stations in Liverpool, and a high-speed rail line running through Warrington Bank Quay and Manchester Airport, connecting prime development sites in both city regions.
Following the cancellation of the northern legs of HS2, the government invited the two Mayors to provide solutions for enhancing connectivity between Liverpool and Manchester. The Liverpool-Manchester Railway Board will take a location-based and bottom-up approach to improving connectivity between both cities, promoting significant economic growth in the north-west. Made up of the leaders of Manchester and Liverpool City councils and other stakeholder organisations, the board will collaborate with the government and the private sector to create the strongest business case for the most ambitious rail line.
Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said that investing in infrastructure was essential to the region’s success. Connecting Liverpool and Manchester would not only power their economies but benefit the entire country. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said that “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.” By improving rail connectivity in the area, the north-west can reach its full potential which would help to unlock the North’s enormous potential.
Manchester City Council Leader, Councillor Bev Craig, said that investing in better connections between both cities is essential to their future success and that it is crucial to get it right to maximise opportunities that would arise. The new Liverpool-Manchester Railway Board takes a step towards the improved connectivity that the North desperately needs and sets a strong precedent. Furthermore, the Northern Powerhouse Rail project must be delivered in full, from Liverpool to Hull, with an underground station at the heart of Manchester Piccadilly, to ensure adequate capacity for rail connections running north to south.
Overall, the cities seek to transform rail connectivity in the North West and emerge with an infrastructure that meets the needs of the 21st century. The project is essential to enhancing economic growth, and the Liverpool-Manchester Railway Board calls upon the private sector to become involved in delivering this transformation
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