Baltic Triangle station included in combined authority funding proposals

Moves to re-open a derelict rail station in the heart of Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle appear to be one step closer, with the region’s combined authority set to rubber stamp a £172m funding package next week.

The Transforming Cities Fund will support 18 projects, including proposals for two new Merseyrail stations.

One, at Headbolt Lane, Kirkby, would be a new facility, while St James station would be refurbished and re-opened after laying derelict since its closure on January 1, 1917.

St James lies between Liverpool Central station and Brunswick station.

The cost of re-opening St James could reach £50m. Work would include two new platforms and lift access from street level to the station, as well as ticket offices.

But businesses around the burgeoning Baltic Triangle area of the city say it would help boost the local economy.

They say it radically improves accessibility to the area, makes it more attractive to those wanting to visit, stimulates inward investment, and is crucial to alleviating the strain on other transport hubs, such as Liverpool Central station.

In July this year, the combined authority included the station re-opening on a list of potential projects for funding

Baltic Triangle area director, Mark Lawler, said at the time: “We all know the re-opening of the station will be a catalyst for huge investment into the area and will massively improve sustainable transport options for local businesses and residents, alike.”

Other plans linked to the Transforming Cities Fund include new Mersey ferries, improvements to bus corridors and improvements to a number of other train stations across the Merseyrail network.

City region metro mayor Steve Rotheram said the fund would “help to drive economic growth that benefits everyone in our region”.

The city region combined authority is set to vote on the fund on Friday, September 6.