Anderson welcomes Liverpool cruise review
Government plans to review Liverpool cruise liner terminal’s bid to become a full turnaround facility have been welcomed by business leaders in the city. Liverpool City Council leader Joe Anderson said he was “extremely positive” that ministers would overturn the restriction on cruise ships starting and finishing in the city, adding that a decision in Liverpool's favour would act as a catalyst for new businesses to serve the terminal.
Transport ministers last year ruled that the construction of new facilities at the Pier Head terminal would breach EU competition law because it had received £9m of European funding. Southampton docks owner Associated British Ports also heavily lobbied Labour transport minister Paul Clark, claiming it would be unfair for the public sector to set up a competitor to its privately run terminal.
But the coalition government has now promised to review the case to allow ships to start and finish their journeys at the port. Construction of a full cruise liner terminal in Liverpool could double its annual economic impact from £6m to more than £12m, according to the city council.
Following a meeting with transport minister Mike Penning, Anderson said: "The minister viewed the facilities we have here and held some really constructive dialogue with key officers. We were successful in getting across the importance of our cruise liner facility to the region's economy and how the current restrictions are preventing it from reaching its full potential.
"I remain extremely positive that the government will overturn the restriction on cruise ships starting and finishing at the terminal. It would mean liners can be home-ported here which would result in visitors spending more time and money in the city and the surrounding areas. It would also be a catalyst for new businesses to serve the terminal. As such, it would boost the region's economy by millions of pounds."
The City of Liverpool Cruise Terminal was opened in September 2007 after receiving a £15m European grant. It has since handled more than 70 visits, including Cunard’s Queen Mary II and the Ark Royal.
Penning added:
"I was pleased to meet with representatives of Liverpool City Council - led by Joe Anderson - to discuss the issues surrounding the city's cruise terminal. This is a complex issue and I have agreed that my department will work with the council to try and identify a solution which maintains a level playing field across the UK cruise industry."
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