Plans for new £10m ferry terminal

The state-of-the-art ferry terminal would cost £10m to build

Plans for a new multi-million pound ferry terminal at Liverpool's Pier Head have finally been unveiled.

Ferry operators Merseytravel put forward proposals to Liverpool City Council for a state-of-the-art building which is set to cost £10m.

They have been drawn up in consultation with Liverpool City Council, English Heritage and World Heritage officers.

If passed, work would be completed by spring 2008 - in time for Liverpool's European Capital of Culture year.

The new terminal would have improved cafe and retail facilities, new and upgraded waiting areas and easy access to a new landing stage as well as a river viewing area.

Major investment

A low-rise environmentally-friendly design has been developed to retain the view of the "Three Graces" from the river as well as the views of the river from Water Street and Brunswick Street.

Materials would also complement the surrounding buildings.

Councillor Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel, said: "The Mersey Ferries are the most popular paid for attraction in the region and we want to continue to improve the service by transforming Pier Head Ferry Terminal. It's vital we don't stand still."

If the new terminal goes ahead it will take Merseytravel's investment in the Mersey Ferries business in the last nine years to around £40m.

It is hoped proposals will go before the planning committee before the end of the year and that construction can start as early as March 2007.