Isle of Man chief minister, Howard Quayle, was in attendance alongside Liverpool’s Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram and Deputy City Mayor, Cllr Lynnie Hinnigan. Mayor Rotheram said; “Our waterfront is iconic and recognised the world over. The new ferry terminal will be a fantastic addition to it. Not only does the new terminal cement our special and historic links with the Isle of Man, it opens new and exciting opportunities – for trade, tourism and leisure.”
Designed by the Manser Practice architects for the Isle of Man Government Department of Infrastructure, the new ferry terminal development will create a ‘Universal Berth’ capable of accommodating vessels of up to 142m length, replacing the obsolete existing facility, by providing ferry crossings to Douglas, Isle of Man.
The development will incorporate a two-storey terminal building with an external access road, passenger vehicle queuing lanes, vehicle parking areas, passenger access systems, and marine berthing structures within the River Mersey. The site of the new ferry terminal falls partly within the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes the ‘Three Graces’: the Liver Building, Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building.
Waterman’s team coordinated and delivered the Environmental Impact Assessment, in support of the planning and marine licence applications. This involved the preparation of an Environmental Statement, focussing on the most significant potential environmental effects of the development, including heritage, archaeology, ornithology, marine ecology, water quality, and terrestrial & underwater noise. In addition, we provided standalone specialist assessments to address the site’s location within the World Heritage Site, as well as the proximity to the River Mersey’s ecological Special Protection Area.
With work now under way, the new Isle of Man ferry terminal is due to open its doors to passengers in July 2021.
