The rail board for the new Liverpool-Manchester rail link has been formed

The new Liverpool-Manchester rail link took a step closer to reality as northern mayors gathered at the Royal Armories in Leeds on May 22 to announce the creation of the Liverpool-Manchester Rail Board.

Following March’s announcement of the preferred route, government support and the recent re-elections of mayors Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham in Liverpool and Manchester respectively, the new council is now responsible for developing a strategy for the pound’s proposal. 17 billion rail links.

Speaking at the UK Infrastructure and Investment Forum (UKREiiF), Burnham said that, unlike HS2, the new rail line would “absolutely come to fruition” before announcing the council that will oversee the strategy. The council will be made up of Mayor of Liverpool City Rotheram, Mayor of Greater Manchester Burnham, Leader of Manchester City Council Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Liverpool City Council Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Warrington Council Cllr Hans Mundry and Managing Director of Manchester Airport Group Chris Woodroofe.

The new route is planned to run from Liverpool via Warrington Bank Quay, Manchester Airport, before stopping at a new tube station at Manchester Piccadilly.

Part of the board’s remit will be to seek private investment to help top up the £17 billion earmarked for the project. The new council will also pursue investment in Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Central stations, with Liverpool City Council leader Cllr Liam Robinson saying both areas were looking a little tired.

“There is a huge opportunity in all of this to develop something that is not just a transport hub in its own right but, crucially, is an economic gateway to our city and similarly at the other end into Manchester and beyond .” He added.

However, Manchester City Council leader Cllr Bev Craig warned that this project should only be the start of the region’s ambitions, adding: “Improving rail connections across the North of England is absolutely fundamental to our future success.

“But we also need to see Northern Powerhouse Rail delivered in its entirety, from Liverpool to Hull – with a Manchester Piccadilly Underground station at its heart – and improved north-south rail connections to ensure adequate capacity.”

@rwilcockrail