Plans to reopen a long-disused Liverpool city centre station are still moving forward, but delays mean construction is now expected later than originally hoped.
For years, the prospect of reintroducing a railway station to Liverpool's Baltic district has been a cornerstone of the city’s future transport ambitions. The proposed Liverpool Baltic station is intended for the site of the former St. James station, which closed during the First World War. The new stop would be situated beneath the Baltic Triangle, an area that has experienced significant transformation in recent years due to the growth of creative businesses, hospitality venues, and residential developments. The project was initially announced in 2022 as part of the Liverpool City Region’s 'Merseyrail for All' initiative, aimed at reopening the station to increase connectivity across the city region.
However, Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, has confirmed that the project's timeline has slipped. Speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside, Rotheram described the delays as “the bane of my life” and noted that he had originally hoped for construction to begin by the end of this year. Rotheram attributed the delay to the inherent complexities of building a new station alongside an active, operational railway line. He explained that periods when trains are not running, referred to as possessions, must be negotiated with all relevant rail authorities to ensure the work can be carried out safely.
While the project has already secured planning permission, a contractor has yet to be appointed. Despite the setbacks, the Metro Mayor affirmed that the scheme remains on track, though the final completion date will be later than initially scheduled. Once operational, the station is expected to support hundreds of jobs and accommodate approximately 17,000 journeys per day.
