This is the moment to set up Liverpool and Manchester for growth and prosperity through the development of a “crucial” new rail line, Metro Mayors have told ministers today.
Mayors Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham have called on the government to back plans for the construction of a new Liverpool-Manchester railway to underpin wider proposals for a “Northern Arc.”
The leaders of the Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester combined authorities are presenting a report to government officials outlining how the new line – which would stretch from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly – could deliver a £15bn boost to the economy. Mr Rotheram and Mr Burnham will ask for the government to make good on proposals for £17bn allocated for the rail link last year.
Speaking outside the Houses of Parliament this afternoon alongside former rail minister Huw Merriman, Mr Burnham and Mr Rotheram set out their vision for the rail link and called on ministers to get spades in the ground at the start of the next decade. Mr Rotheram said currently the Liverpool to Manchester corridor is served by “poor infrastructure” and development of the new line could “drive national prosperity at a local level.”
Officials believe it could add £90bn to the GVA (gross value added) across the UK. The line would incorporate five stations from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Airport, including the development of a new Liverpool Gateway stop.
It would also act as a catalyst for the wider generation of Liverpool Central station. Mr Burnham said: “This place has grown above the rest of the UK economy because of the devolution we had and because of the change we are bringing about in the North West of England. The North West of England is closing the gap on the rest of the UK, the North-South divide has begun to close.
“If we carry on with a rail system that people can’t trust, that doesn’t get them there on time, that ruins people’s working days, all of that success is going to be put at risk and we can’t accept that. We’ve got growth but you now have to build out to increase that level of growth and that’s why this railway is absolutely critical.”
The Greater Manchester Mayor said it was accepted the spending review would be “difficult” but wanted the government to commit to a window for the railway to be built at the start of the 2030s. He added: “Everyone is saying this is the moment to set this North West up for prosperity and growth in the 21st century and that is our message to our colleagues in Parliament and to the government today.”
Mr Rotheram said the project had gained cross party support, citing Mr Merriman – a former Tory minister – as chair of the rail partnership board. Mr Merriman said: “Here you’ve got today the politicians and the local authorities, not only on the line of route but around it, who are championing this and saying if this is delivered we will use our powers to build the economic prosperity off the back of it.
“It’s connectivity that is badly needed, the average journey time is 53 minutes and we want to bring it down to just over 30 minutes. It’s the connector that brings homes, jobs, skills and crucially will make sure those that own land around it actually pay and contribute so that the general taxpayer doesn’t pay everything and certain people get the benefits.
“We’re looking for the government now to work with the region to help us deliver this and demonstrate to business and the community that this railway is going to happen and that growth will continue in the North West.”
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