Sorry if this has already been raised, or if the issue should have been posted elsewhere, but I was wondering what people's views are on transport spanning the Mersey.

Apart from tight, congested tunnel crossings and an equally unsatisfactory bridge way down river, the obvious solution of increasing public transport through new, affordable ferries has not been invested in (AFAIK).

The current Mersey ferries are expensive, old and only really hold novelty value - but you only have to look at other cities around Europe to see how effective ferry transportation could be.

Venice has its Vaporetto service, which is hugely popular and can haul thousands of commuters and tourists around the city quickly and easily. Even visiting in late November I found myself propped up by shear mass of people squashed together while hitching rides on the service.

Istanbul (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=196679) has a similar system crossing the Bosphorus and is preparing to introduce a new water taxi service to add efficiency and comfort on journeys.

With a growing trade in tourism and many other sectors anticipated, surely a much more modern, afforable and efficient system connecting Liverpool to the Wirral suburbs is necessary? Park and ride schemes from Woodside/Seacombe and perhaps even a small car ferry (as in Plymouth Sound?) could benefit transportation to and from the city.

I'd say enough people drive to/from Liverpool a day from Wirral to suggest there would be demand for such a service.

Actually, having read the blurb on http://www.merseyferries.co.uk/, a return direct crossing on the current ferries isn't bad at all. £2.05 compared to £2.60 (yep it's going up to £1.30) through the tunnels. More ferry services might also tie in nicely with the landing stage extension and increased activity around nearby princes Dock.

Good points, although as far as I know the Venice Lagoon does not get the sort of surges and waves the Mersey gets, so I'm not sure I'd be confident crossing the Mersey in a little water bus in the middle of winter. It's a pretty scarey river sometimes. On my last trip I went on a nicely refurbished old ferry, I think it was the snowdrop - there is even a disabled toilet in it.

The depressing thing is the lack of traffic. They seem to have a pretty minimimal commuter service, then it hands over to a sort of mini-cruise sort of thing during the day, for tourists or day-trippers, and the last ferry is extremely early, around 7 or 7.30 in the evening I think. Maybe there is a better summer service.

It's a tricky one, because you don't want to undermine the viabilty of the railways - the use of those is a bit sparse I think, and the frequencies not very good, so would be robbing Peter to pay Paul to try to divert some people off the trains and onto the ferries. Park and Ride is an excellent idea though, if you could incorporate large multi-stories into redeveloped ferry termini.

A practical way I can think of improving the situation is, as I've suggested in another thread, for Wirral Council to have a 'tall buildings' policy based around Woodside and Seacombe terminals (and, if it was succesful, to possibly do same at New Brighton, and re-introduce ferries there). In the case of Woodside, this actually links up with the CBD of Birkenhead anyway, so would simply be stretching the town centre a bit further riverwards. I think it would be a very useful complement to Liverpool CBD (I perceive them more as "left" and "right" banks of one city than competing centres).

Commuters could live in the towers, enjoying river views and the dramatic panorama of Liverpool, and be able to hop on the ferry and walk to work, if they work in the city centre that is, and I know not everyone does. Retirees could live in them as well, and take nice walks along the prom, and to Liverpool for their shopping and their afternoon cups of tea, so I think there must a lot of demand out there to fill a cluster of residential towers around each terminal. So I think you could grow demand for the ferries that way.

Throw in a hotel and a small office tower, plus shops, car parks and services, and you'd quickly have the start of a nice looking coastline. Being boring and repeating what I have written on another thread, I think that more people, including tourists, would use the ferries if it was worth getting off at the other side for just half an hour or an hour to do something. So a high level observation deck in one of the towers, to enjoy the fantastic views of Liverpool, and cafes and restaurants and bars at roof level, would make it more of a trip - so make more people likely to get on the ferry in the first place.

Howevever, would still be a need for later night ferries I think... Maybe the developers could chip in to subsidise later ferries?

A quick question, if I am right that (God knows why) the city council didn't have the common sense to route one of the tram routes via the airport, is if it would be feasible to have a Pier-Head to Liverpool Airport boat service? Maybe that could scoot across to Wodside as well, to make it easier for people from Wirral and North Wales to get to the airport by public transport.

I have always been impressed by the under ground rail service. I used to go out with a girl who lived in Birkenhead about 5 years ago. I'd take the bus from Runcorn into Liverpool, or the train into Lime Street; then I'd hop on the underground and get off at Birkenhead Park. I remember the trains being frequent and the journey from Lime St or Central Station taking about 8 mins. In just 8 mins. (-might be exaggerating) I could go from Liverpool city to one of the best parks in the North West- in fact you can stay on the train and go to the coast.

I seem to remember the last service being just before mid-night- it saved me on so many occasions.

I think the underground, in terms of cost and time consumption is the best means of public transport for crossing the river. It looks incredibly dated though- the stations are so dark and dingy looking. Shame

Hey Liverpolitan. I agree that the Mersey would probably need its own custom made fleet of vessels to withstand the weather on the estuary - Venice is indeed much more sheltered, but such ferries on the Bosphorus should stand up to rough weather so they may set an example. The multi hulled water taxis I linked to are a good idea as their design inreases stability and comfort for a passenger. Catarmarans are also very speedy, hence their design being used by top sailors.

I also agree with the unification of both sides of the Mersey. It makes sense, plus a decent ferry service could feed a desperate need for regeneration in Birkenhead. While Liverpool steams ahead, Birkenhead really is dragging its heels and the North end is just dire. There is no need for competition; Birkenhead grew as a commuter suburb of Liverpool in the first place, Liverpool has always been the region's administrative centre. Small minded attitudes towards peripheral areas won't benefit Liverpool CBD in the long run.

Residential towers in Woodside would make sense as the inhabitants would have easy access to both the city and more rural, relaxing areas such as West Kirby and North Wales - as originally was the case when the area became popular in Victorian times. Perhaps towers accommodating more space for small families and the like.

I think the Albert and Princes Dock areas would be hotspots for new river crossings. It would further increase modernity and bring life to the redeveloped docks. The round route as suggested by Liverpolitan is also a good one, with stops stretching from say Princes Dock to JLA and across to the Wirral.

After your stay at the brand new Malmaison hotel , what better way to end your visit than to cruise down the world famous waterfront to JLA for your flight home?

I suppose the main issue however, as raised already, would be demand.

If markets are left to govern transport development then I don't think the water crossing transport can compete with the tunnels (road and rail.) The ferries are superb for tourists and for locals who might want the odd novelty trip into work. But the whole process is just so time consuming compared to the undergound- which can drop you in the middle of town, and is faster both in transit and in 'loading' time. Also, trains don't make you sea sick :)

Isn't it cheaper to take the tube as well?

It is interesting that the decline of the ferries and the decline of Birkenhead went almost hand in hand. William Laird saw Birkenhead as the 'city of the future' back in the 1840s and laid it out with a Manhattan gridiron but in the end, only Hamilton Square was built to his vision.

The coming of the railway made a major change to commuter patterns. Whilst, in the old days, water transport was far more efficient and cheaper than land transport, making Birkenhead an ideal commuter suburb for Liverpool, the Mersey Railway reversed this. The traders of Birkenhead hated the railway and nicknamed it 'the sewer' as it enabled customers to by-pass the town to the leafier suburbs and villages of Wirral.

The ferries still had the upper hand when it came to transporting goods as the plans to extend the Mersey Railway to railway goods yards was never carried out. Carts and lorries could use the ferries via the old floating roadways but all this could not compete with direct road access when the Queensway Tunnel opened.

In my lifetime, the ferries have never been more than a pleasant but more time consuming way to cross the river - mainly in the summer. I think though that more development in the Woodside area could change that, as Liverpolitan suggests.

I would keep the old ferry boats as speed is not important for the river crossing. I remember when a fast jet foil service was established for a short while in the early '80s. It just took all the fun out of the crossing and was still not competitive with road or rail.

Having said that, some sort of fast zig-zag service across the river might be viable, especially if it was extended to the airport. I would be sceptical though as a commuter service on the Thames from central London to Canary Wharf, established in the early Nineties did not prove viable in the long run.

The other problem with an airport connection is the fact that the airport terminal is the wrong side of the runway from the river and might require some long bus service from the landing stage, assuming that a landing stage was feasible in that area. However, it is an idea worth consideration.

The other problem with an airport connection is the fact that the airport terminal is the wrong side of the runway from the river and might require some long bus service from the landing stage, assuming that a landing stage was feasible in that area. However, it is an idea worth consideration.

There was some talk about building a new terminal on the river side of the runway.
If that came about then a ferry service might become viable. :cheers:

Ta for the info guys. So it seems demand for such a service as a serious means of transport would probably be low, although I still think a scheme of some type should be revived as the city regenerates and the population rises again.

I never knew they'd tried the fast crossing in the 80's either, it was this sort of method that I thought would be popular. An interdocks shuttle, when all this mass of resi blocks and towers go up may do some trade, a bit like the tourist duck thing does now.

In time for ECoC 2008 if not for Liverpool 800 - 2007

Given that the `Mersey Ferries` are reputed to be the worlds oldest `regular ferry service` - dating back to 1150 they should be equally celebrated during ECoC etc.

(Personally I think Birkenhead should buy a few new ones as our birthday present......... :) :) :) )

http://www.merseyferries.co.uk/ The worlds oldest regular ferry service.....

http://www.nywaterway.com/ The civilised commute.....
http://www.sydneyferries.info/ 135 years of service.....
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/mustknow/information/mk_info_gett5.jhtml Hong Kong tourism.....
http://www.baylinkferry.com/ and San Francisco.....
http://sanfrancisco.about.com/cs/familyactivities/a/ferrybldg.htm

On a more serious note I believe that a new ferry service between Crosby (sea wall / POL radar station area) and New Brighton would work - thus linking directly the higher end of the mersey boroughs - Wirral and Sefton.

Obviously this would also mean that additional sailings could take place from Liverpool, Birkenhead and Wallasey for additional tourism (ticks the box) and commuting as deemed viable.

Also new landing stages at New Ferry and reinstating the IGF ferry stop last used in 1984 or a new one nearer Otterspool - which would be handy for St Michaels - Merseyrail station.

And we should be thinking of `Fast Ferries` into North Wales as not much is happening on the railways front!

(See also Miami on the Mersey........potential, potential, potential!!!)

This is a great idea and I think that it should be exploited more!.

About a month or so ago there was a power failure in the James St/Hamilton Sq area and lots of people in my workplace got the ferry over, they said it was a novelty to do this & wondered why there wasnt a regular service.

My brother lives in Sydney and I went to visit him in May. He lives in a place called Manly Beach and it is accessible by "rocket" ferry in 20 mins, if you travelled from Manly to Sydney by bus or car it would take about an hour and a half and you have to pay the equivelant of the ferry fare to cross the Sydney Harbour bridge. They also have a ferry terminal which is quite big and you can get ferries to almost everywhere, even just a short ride to the Olympic Park. Its also sold as more environmentally friendly due to less people using cars.

Liverpool could be like Sydney and have (as far as I am aware) something that no other city in Britain has, a proper, regular & reliable ferry transport service. That would be another Unique Selling Point for Liverpool. The traffic in the city centre is getting bad too, so maybe people travelling from the Wirral, Sefton or Otterspool by boat would reduce it.

My brother lives in Sydney and I went to visit him in May. He lives in a place called Manly Beach.
Hope you got your picture taken in front of the New Brighton Hotel in Manley.

Indeed I did, also went into the barbecue rib place on the front where all the rugby teams ate in the 2003 world cup.

Loads of Liverpool related places everywhere in that part of the world. Liverpool the suburb of SydneyWent to Birkenhead over the water from Auckland, even Singapore has an Everton street near the cable car station

Indeed I did, also went into the barbecue rib place on the front where all the rugby teams ate in the 2003 world cup.

Loads of Liverpool related places everywhere in that part of the world. Liverpool the suburb of SydneyWent to Birkenhead over the water from Auckland, even Singapore has an Everton street near the cable car station
Oops! Sorry can't seem to post pictures to the forum.

There has been some justifiable criticism on these threads of the number of times the phrase 'world class' is used to glamourise the most run of the mill developments.

So lets forget about the world class public toilets, litter bins and bus shelters and concentrate on what in this city and region is really 'world class'. By that I don't mean necessarily the best in the world but those things that bear comparison to the best that the world has to offer. It might be a modern building, a cultural event, something from the city's history etc. My own suggestions are as follows:

1) The Beatles

Liverpool's tourist industry may go on about the Fab Four ad nauseum but how many other figures from popular culture have had so much impact on the entire world?

2) Liverpool Anglican Cathedral

The largest Anglican Cathedral in the world and the seventh largest of any denomination.

3) The Queensway Tunnel

Longest road tunnel in the world when built, still the longest in Britain and one of the largest underwater tunnels in the world, conceived on a heroic scale with marvellous art deco architecture.

4) The Grand National

Most famous steeplechase in the world, watched every year by hundreds of millions.

5) The Mersey Docks

In their heyday, the nine miles of docks along the Liverpool waterfront were one of the greatest sights in world shipping.

6) The Liver Bird

Other cities have mythical beasts as symbols but the Liver Bird is unique to Liverpool and its perch 300' above the city must make it one of the most famous civic symbols anywhere.

7) The Liverpool and Manchester Railway

By no means the first ever railway but the L&MR marked the beginning of the modern passenger railway which was to conquer the world.

8) The Williamson Tunnels

Virtually forgotten for ages but now recognised as one of the most extensive and magnificent underground follies to be found anywhere. Maybe not as famous as the Paris catacombs but they are still finding more and more of them.

9) The Mersey Ferries

A Sunday Times poll a few years ago listed these as the seventh most famous ferries in the world. When you consider that the competition included New York's Staten Island Ferry, Hong Kong's Star Ferry and the Sydney Harbour Ferry you realise that they are a world class attraction.

10) The New Brighton Tower

Sadly no longer with us but this tower would have been second only to the Eiffel Tower in Paris in terms of height. New York had nothing to compare at the time.

11) The Northern Airport Terminal

Probably the greatest survival from the early days of aviation. This magnificent terminal built in the Art Deco style has no rival in Britain and only Berlin's Templehof matches if for size and spendour in Europe.

12) St Georges Hall

One of the finest public buildings in the world, a one hit wonder for Harvey Lonsdale Elmes its 24 year old architect.

13) Oriel Chambers

and

14) 16 Cook Street

These buildings by architect Peter Ellis were completely revolutionary when built and are suspected to have influenced the early Chicago skyscrapers.

That's all I can think of at the moment, any more suggestions or comments on my list?

Worth a ferry trip any day!

I see this Space Port attraction has finally opened.
Has anybody been?
What's it like?

I`ve done the trip from Salford Quays back to Liverpool and it was well worth the effort as it was a glorious day and the Mersey Basin was entered at high tide.....spectacular views of Liverpool arriving from down river.

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/ewm/001ewm/035_salquays/index2.html

Overall a splendid journey made even more enjoyable with sunbathing on deck chairs and a well planned picnic basket.

:cheers:

Mersey ferries don't half go fast these days.

Light SpeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEEDDD........ :runaway:

http://img415.imageshack.us/img415/2202/zferryfastseacombeferry7kr.jpg

waheeey!
Spotted it on the return trip :)
http://www.**************************/ferryjan.jpg

Excellent,

were you on top of the Princess Dock MSCP today.

^^
No. I was 200 miles away :)

Can't find the right thread. there is a mobile on the new cruise terminal site. Only just nooticed it so the main structure must be iminent

What cruise terminal? There are no plans for a cruise terminal right now, unfortuntately.

Do you mean that there is a mobile crane on the dockside, near where the planned extension to the landing stage at its north end will be, perhaps? The promised cruise liner "facility".

thats what i meant, what is the difference

One's a cruise liner terminal; the other is an extra bit of metal, welded onto an existing floating landing stage.

You'll never see a major investment in cross river traffic because of the monopoly that is Merseytravel. Theres too much vested interest in holding the people (particularly the people of the Wirral) over a barrell.

The tunnels, trains, ferries and buses should all be in DIRECT competition with each other....this would bring down prices. If the tunnels (for example) were ran in direct competition, with price wars, with the trains, they would have to restructure, modernise and put a plan in place to drastically reduce the tunnel tolls.

Instead we have this mega-monopoly that controlls these assets (ON BOTHS SIDES OF THE WATER TO THE DETRIMENT OF WIRRAL PEOPLE!) completely and is even pressing to own even more infastructure (recently, quite rightly, slapped down by the government in its recent attempts to controll the track).

In no other sector would this be allowed and no other country (as far as i'm aware) runs their transport policy like it.

Simply put Merseytravel want the tunnels tolls to remain the only viable way to move vast traffic cross water (£££). They already have the trains running at capacity and can't make any more money off the rail customers (unless it's sneaky, underhand removing of single, one way cross river fares....FORCING you to pay for a return ticket, even if you don't need one).

Merseytravel have an undeclared policy of paying for Liverpool projects with tunell tolls (the trams)....80% of the traffic coming from and ending back in the Wirral.

Imagine how "fair" any new ferry service would be then!

What cruise terminal? There are no plans for a cruise terminal right now, unfortuntately.

Do you mean that there is a mobile crane on the dockside, near where the planned extension to the landing stage at its north end will be, perhaps? The promised cruise liner "facility".

The Cruise Liner `facility` is reported to be in place no later than May 2007.

Peel Holding have however been reported as referring to the `Cruise Liner Terminal` ..... so we`ll just have to wait and see. C - Sea! :scouserd:

could you imagine a group of people who still address each other at meetings as 'comrade' or 'brother' accepting such a commercial approach?

It is also why you see no other 'leisure/tourist' ferry services being ofered on the river!

Just think of London, Amsterdam, NYC etc and what they have on their rivers?

could you imagine a group of people who still address each other at meetings as 'comrade' or 'brother' accepting such a commercial approach?

It is also why you see no other 'leisure/tourist' ferry services being ofered on the river!

Just think of London, Amsterdam, NYC etc and what they have on their rivers?
Portsmouth is heaving with local ferry services to IOW and Gosport.

Can't find the right thread. there is a mobile on the new cruise terminal site. Only just nooticed it so the main structure must be iminent
Also nearby, they have started digging in that cordoned off area in front of the R.L.B. possibly for the canal link...!

I've seen cruises for next year advertised starting and finishing at Liverpool! Good stuff I say

Yes, one investment I see as well worth the money, if even only for the post card impact of having huge liners on the river again!.. creates an image we should encourage and bask in!

Would it not be possible for `Hydrofoils` to operate along the coastal region of the Liverpool Bay Area, not to mention around the Mersey Basin.

There used to be a B+I Hydrofoil (Jetfoil) service from the old Pier Head Bus terminal (with a special passenger lounge put aside.....no cars) to Dublin in the early 1980`s - it was a £3.5m Boeing hyrofoil and it wasn`t the biggest vessel but it covered the distance between Liverpool and Dublin Bay in 4hrs as against the regular B+Is ferries 8hrs.

The only problem was that the Irish Sea can be notoriously choppy and there were occasions when the service couldn`t run and then a recession killed the service off.

Nevertheless, technologies have changed and hydrofoils operate in hundreds of locations around the globe and surely the Liverpool Bay Area could support such a service between a variety of locations, even if only seasonal to begin with.

http://www.boeing.com/history/boeing/hydro.html

See `Jetfoil`.....
"Boeing launched its first passenger-carrying waterjet-propelled hydrofoil, the JETFOIL, in April 1974. It could carry from 167 to 400 passengers. The company built nearly two dozen Boeing JETFOILs for service in Hong Kong, Japan, the English Channel, the Canary Islands, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia."

The B+I Boeing `Jetfoil` was leased and renamed `Hound of the Sea`..... for the duration of the service.

Wrecked landing stage on moveSep 6 2006




Liverpool Echo





WORK has finally begun to remove the wreckage of the landing stage from the Mersey.

The ECHO revealed how pressure was growing on the Docks and Harbour Company to clear the remnants of the structure.

Civic leaders were angry the eyesore had been allowed to remain despite thousands of visitors flocking to the waterfront at the Mathew Street Festival

Now work has finally started to remove the wreckage, five months after the power of the Mersey destroyed the landing stage.

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/sep2006/2/4/839CAD86-E66E-7F71-0DA078613EFA1958.jpg


Huge lifting equipment was manoeuvred into place in the river yesterday to begin the tricky salvage.


Marine experts are predicting record-breaking high tides in the river towards the end of September, increasing the urgency of carrying out the work

noticed a crane there today, similiar to the one that was on the holiday inn in speke, i assume it was for this anyway

Planning application now registered for new ferry terminal...

Appl no: 06C/3121
To demolish existing ferry terminal building to allow the construction of new 3 storey ferry terminal building

oooo i don't know, 3 stories might block the view of the RLB entrance when viewd from certain areas

Maybe we can have a Torchwood exhibition to go with the Dr Who one on the left bank. :lol:

oooo i don't know, 3 stories might block the view of the RLB entrance when viewd from certain areas

you should not even make jokes like that

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/8394/imgp1802rg8.jpg


And a few more passengers.. first time I've seen cormorants here..
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/2968/imgp1803rs0.jpg

Couple of images of the new ferry terminal, very different from the first design, looks more "in keeping" with the new X museum, from this mornings DP.


http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/5908/dsc03466dh0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/7626/dsc03495aa6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

It's better then the current one that's for sure. I like the restaurant terrace. Overall, it seems a bit small. Is this for cruise liner passengers,too?. If so, it suggests that we will be nowt but a port of call. Maybe Liverpool based cruises will start from elsewhere, in which case, fine.

PS - where's the friggin' canal? Tell me they have taken my advice and put it completely underground across the Pier Head.

Yep we're a port of call for the Birkoes. :)

This is the Mersey Ferry terminal, not the cruise liner termninal. Still have to wait for that. :cheers:

The canal is partially buried at the Pier Head, running under the horsey statue.

I think this is for Mersey Ferries only, the cruise ships will berth on the northern extension of the landing stage.

PS - where's the friggin' canal? Tell me they have taken my advice and put it completely underground across the Pier Head.

If you look closely it's there most of it is underground.

Definitely an improvement an you can clearly tell it's been designed with the x building in mind.

I think once this and dare i say it the mann island scheme is done the pier head will become a lively place to be once again, goths aside i bet you will see people (esp tourists) there any day rain or shine

I think once this and dare i say it the mann island scheme is done the pier head will become a lively place to be once again, goths aside i bet you will see people (esp tourists) there any day rain or shine

That's the reason why they all have to happen IMO but i'm not a big fan of the Mann Island scheme.

love the new design

I think once this and dare i say it the mann island scheme is done the pier head will become a lively place to be once again, goths aside i bet you will see people (esp tourists) there any day rain or shine

I'm loving the new design, very 'fitting' but also modern. It's a good size for a ferry terminal (especially when you compare it to what they're currently using - see my earlier photo) and will blend nicely with the new museum. And as Westi rightly says, this development will help make the area much more lively, and the addition of the roof terrace is a nice touch.

Looks like most of the canal is now underground, which seems like a good compromise, you still get the variety it brings to the site, but without it dominating the area too much, so it's still very much an open public space. And with these developments we might actually see some people here!

Is the shanghai palace still going to be there?

Good question? Should it stay? I don't see why not if it's accomodated in appropriate style. And as long as there are enough good quality cafes and coffee shops around for people to stop and have a cuppa - which I think there should be, between this and the new museum, not to mention the new residential buildings which have their own integrated cafes and exhibition space on the ground floor.

Personally though I think I'd rather see a number of smaller, funky outlets, which provide something a bit different and stay open late at night so that people don't feel like they're wandering around a ghost town after 7pm. Places like the Hagen Das cafe serve that purpose well in other cities, my wife enjoyed a lovely ice cream and coffee at about 11pm when we recently visited Dublin, and it was a great alternative to going into 'another' pub or settling for the drunk-filled plastic tables of McDonalds. I'd really like to see that sort of culture develop in Liverpool, where you can go out to have a coffee at any time of the day or night.

I'd be very surprised if Costa didn't get a foot in, they open a new coffee shop every time you blink in Liverpool!

Caffé Nero for me. Much better. If late at night you want to be away from pissheads in that part of town and you're gagging for a coffee, and like the company of thirtysomethings - try the pan american club on the albert dock.

Caffé Nero for me. Much better. If late at night you want to be away from pissheads in that part of town and you're gagging for a coffee, and like the company of thirtysomethings - try the pan american club on the albert dock.

Yes but isn't the Pan American a bit 'upmarket'? To be honest I don't know if I'd feel comfortable going in there unless I was dressed for the occasion. I want somewhere you can just slip out to in jeans and a jumper and not have to worry about being given the once over and knocked back by bouncers who think they're working for the Savvoy!

Is the shanghai palace still going to be there?


According to Merseytravel NO, its to be demolished.
I do like this new design, thank god they have dumped the "peddle bin" that was proposed. I do have a few concerns about this ferry terminal; 1)Merseytravel say they have consulted all the main players involved, city planners, EH and World Heritage site officers, but they appear not to have consulted the owner of the Shanghai Palace:ohno: 2) Jim Gill of Liverpool Vision says he expects positive conclusion to negotiations:ohno: 3) Merseytravel hope to have the go-ahead from city planners by the end of the year and have the scheme completed in the spring of 2008:ohno:

When the DP headline reads " ready for Culture year" you just know it won`t be:ohno:

Apart from these trivial :lol: problems yet to be overcome, this terminal is the last piece of the Pier Head jigsaw. This scheme will go along way to providing the facilities so sadly lacking for so long. The building is said to complement the surrounding buildings we can expect a marble or light granite finish. The new pasenger walkway down to the new landing stage looks interesting, detail not to clear but it does look like a glass tube.

but they appear not to have consulted the owner of the Shangai Palace

Can you believe they still haven't consulted the owner of the shanghai palace,well yes we can but you wont shift him on the cheap.

Hi folks, the DP article implies that the owner of the building *has* been consulted and there's no reason to think that he won't sell.

However, the owner of the business currently operating *in* the building reportedly has not been informed of the plans. I'd say that it is his landlord, the owner of the building, that has some kind of obligation, even if its only a moral one, to let the Shanghai Palace guy know that he's likely to get his marching orders soon, not the council's. I don't think that this represents too massive a hitch, after all tenants always need to be shifted when new developments occur.

It's not as if a CPO will even be needed - the Shanghai Palace restaurant owner doesn't own the building. He does claim to have a long lease on the property. However, I'm no expert on the legal aspects of such leases but whenever I've rented a property, there's been some kind of notice period built in that allows the landlord to give you fair notice to get out before a certain date. The Shanghai dude might just be blowing off. Naturally, he's pissed that his business is about to be made homeless but there might not be anything that he can do about it.

Like the new ferry terminal, the canal link looks great. Hope the Shanghai fella is only blowin off wind, after all is he that oblivious to what is going on around.

I would prefer the resteraunt not to be on the ground floor, as it is unusable space at the moment, should be cafe's, with tables and chairs to sit all around the building.

Also get rid of the piss stench, or remove/fine the people causing the problem, noticed tramps sleeping in St-Nicks churchyard also, stinking the place out.

. I don't think that this represents too massive a hitch, after all tenants always need to be shifted when new developments occur..

I know were you are coming from Awayo, but Shanghai "lease" holder Joe Farly only has to look at the couple of shop keepers in front of Lime St Station to see that he does have rights and could put this super new terminal in doubt. When it comes down to paying out compensation both sides will have a very different idea on what the site valuation. ( ask the residents along Edge Lane :ohno: ) .

Another surprise in todays DP, that this guy has planning permission to turn this tied looking 60`s block into a "pagoda", now thats a very appropriate building slap bang in the middle of the WHS. Just what were our planners thinking about when they passed his plan:ohno:

Somebody has branded the new ferry terminal a "trashy tart". Guess who?!

click here (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpooldailypost/news/regionalnews/tm_headline=car-showroom-dubbed-a-classic-worth-conserving-%26method=full%26objectid=18018031%26siteid=50061-name_page.html#story_continue) if you give up (scroll to bottom.

Oh Wayne... :ohno:

Somebody should have a word with him - this "trashy tarts" business really isn't doing him any favours.

Why do I get the impression that he still lives with his mother?

I keep on imagining him erecting his one-man demonstration stand on Mathew Street on a Saturday night and, whenever any of the posses of scantily clad girlies walk past, shouting: "Trashy tarts! Brazen hussies! Shameless trollops! Wanton harlots! Indecent strumpets!" With one hand down his trousers...

It makes me wonder whether there's anything that he won't call "trashy", given that this new proposal is as bland and unobtrusive as it gets?

Awayo, that image will stay with me far longer than I want it to...

Tut tut, Wayne is in serious danger of pissing off the people at UNESCO - I'm sure they already have a 'special inbox' for his numerous letters of complaint. The trouble with people like Wayne (and others not so far from here) is that their obession clouds their judgement and they loose the ability to choose which battles are worth fighting, and just oppose everything in sight, eventually alienating themselves from the very people who might have supported them in the first place.

I even note that the Echo's tone has become a little less reverential and a bit more casual towards Mr Colquhoun:

The man who complained to the World Heritage Centre about high-rise building projects close to Liverpool's Pier Head last night condemned the latest plans for a new ferry terminal on the waterfront.

That's his label now 'the man who complains'...

[QUOTE=DJ Billy;10301722]Somebody has branded the new ferry terminal a "trashy tart". Guess who?!

What a tosser he is...and the Echo continues to pint the shite he comes out with....

"i object to this new Daniel Liebskind building, i have a petition with over 68 signitures" he may say in the future

One irony is that Wayne has a very nice shop in India Buildings that specialises in beautiful art deco pieces - Circa 1900 (http://www.euromatech.com/circa1900/index.htm). I'm sure the Wayne Colquhouns of yesteryear thought these bits and bobs were the 'trashy tarts' of their day.

it hardly has the grace and elegance of those liners that used to tie up there... more like a top heavy tug boat.... the Liver building is the trashy tart and poor old wayne has gone off his head

Does Wayne drive a model T-Ford so as not to be trashy, we must grow old slowly in an Edwardian sort of way...! :nuts:

I wouldn't be surprised if he started campaigning for all visitors to the Pier Head to have to wear Edwardian clothing so that they're in keeping with the surroundings.

On the Pier Head thread Cambrian said he'd spotted some workmen laying flags, I wonder if it has something to do with this.

From this mornings DP.


http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/4583/dsc03546hf8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


Passengers for the ferry are going to have to take a detour after the closure of the footbridge over the floating roadway cutting. The footbridge is to be removed to allow Balfour Beatty to continue with the work on the cruise liner facility.

Merseytravel said "The temporary pedestrian route we are having to put in place to the ferries isn't ideal but we have no choice but to work around this closure. We accept the reasons that Balfour Beatty give for the closure, they must continue work on the new treminal"


Is this the first definite sign that the cruise liner berth is about to start construction?? looks like.

. We accept the reasons that Balfour Beatty give for the closure, they must continue work on the new treminal"


Is this the first definite sign that the cruise liner berth is about to start construction?? looks like.

Doug, it looks like the first part of the job is the construction of the canal tunnel, the new access down onto the cruise liner berth could well pass over this tunnel. Lets hope were are right, Balfour Beatty are the main contractors for the Cruise Liner berth ,and maybe because the canal crosses their site they are also building the canal?

Woody,

They are building the short section of the canal tunnel that goes beneath the road access but I think that is only because that needs to be in place first. Anyway, good to see that the logjam on Pier Head construction seems to be coming to an end.

Cheers Martin, that does make sense. Agree there is a hell of a lot of work to be done in the next 14 months if the Pier Head is to be finished for 2008, but I cannot see the new Mersey Ferry building being completed in that time.

Even though great things are starting to move on this site the fact that the old ferry landing stage due to be removed last August is still there and now to use the ferry is a long trek round from the ticket office will probably mean a long bleak winter for the mersey ferry.
If only the temporary landing stage was placed on the site of the sunken one in the first place then it would not have been affected by the developments.

They probably make more from a 70s disco night or a Rocky Horror themed night than they do from a month of regular sailings. The last time I went on the M'cr Ship Canal cruise it was almost standing room only - we were well packed in and the queue for a plastic cup full of nescafe seemed to be never ending. I particularly liked the choice of kit-kat on offer from the ship's cafe - melted or stale.

theres a new crane in front of Mal on the BW cam 6

The access gate is now closed and the link span bridge has been removed, I think they may move the temp landing stage soon.


http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2349/dsc03860yo8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/4747/dsc03859ci0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Couple of images of the new ferry terminal, very different from the first design, looks more "in keeping" with the new X museum, from this mornings DP.


http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/5908/dsc03466dh0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/7626/dsc03495aa6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Construction News this week are reporting that Merseytravel have sent out tender documents for the construction of this new terminal, estimated value of £5M , which seems a bit expensive ? So they must be pretty confident that Lady D and chums will give approval and the Shanghi Palace will get the "chop":lol:

Also get rid of the piss stench, or remove/fine the people causing the problem, noticed tramps sleeping in St-Nicks churchyard also, stinking the place out.


They have to sleep somewhere, sausage. Have you taken the time to talk to these 'tramps'? They have interesting stories to tell.

:)

They have to sleep somewhere, sausage. Have you taken the time to talk to these 'tramps'? They have interesting stories to tell.

:)

No one needs to sleep on the streets these days, there are many un filled jobs and billions in dole and Euro handouts, and many shelters funded by taxpayers and charity donations.

That aside the piss smell can still be dealt with by the council.

Noticed yesterday that there is a drilling rig north end of the existing stage. I expect that will be drilling sockets for the vertical piles which will guide the new floating stage. These will take the place of the hinged booms, which fix the existing stage.

No one needs to sleep on the streets these days, there are many un filled jobs and billions in dole and Euro handouts, and many shelters funded by taxpayers and charity donations.

That aside the piss smell can still be dealt with by the council.

You might like to take the time to talk to these fine people and maybe understand their many problems, squire.

:)

Don't know how to move pics. around from thread to thread on SSC, but theres a sad pic. on the Skyscraper and Skyline thread--Industrial Decay--3rd link down--3rd pic down. Sorry hope that makes sense.

Very calm on the river today - bit grainy as I'm no photographer but the ferry did a nice little turn for me as I was walking along Prince's Dock.:)

Also I reckon the steam plume in the background on the first one is from the power station at Queensferry, visible due to the very high air pressure at the moment I think

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/yapachoo/PICT1174.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/yapachoo/PICT1176.jpg

Very atmospheric I love them.:cheers:

Ferry terminal delayed after call for rethink

Dec 22 2006
By Larry Neild
Liverpool Daily Post

A NEW ferry terminal at Liverpool's world-famous Pier Head is being delayed as planning managers seek more details. Last night, Wayne Colquhoun, chairman of Liverpool Preservation Trust, said the hitch should pave the way for a complete rethink of the £15m project to save the view of the majestic Three Graces.

Merseytravel have submitted plans for a three-storey building to replace the Mersey Ferry terminal built almost 30 years ago. The scheme involves demolition of the terminal with its tented roof, as well as the adjoining Shanghai Palace Chinese restaurant.

The replacement building has already attracted comments from a city design panel, which quizzed why the building needed to be so high, and why a roof terrace faced away from the river.

Merseytravel submitted the scheme to Liverpool's planning department last month with the hope it would be put before the planning committee early in the New Year for a decision.

But the plan has now been invalidated at the request of the city planning manager Nigel Lee. He has called for supporting information about access to the proposed building as well as design issues. When the project is restored to the planning process, a new consultation exercise will be launched.

Last night a city council spokesman said the invalidation process was being used to enable more information to be sought on conservation area matters.
The project had not been scheduled on to a planning committee agenda, with the council insisting it did not believe the scheme should be delayed.

But Mr Colquhoun said: "If they are to restart the consultation exercise once the extra information is supplied it is bound to be delayed. I am hoping this will enable us to convince heritage bodies and Unesco such a scheme in the middle of a World Heritage Site is completely unacceptable.

"We think the current building is a leftover from an era of madness when we had a bus station at the Pier Head, but what is the point in coming up with a worse design?

"Why do we need anything there other than a small entrance to the ferries that does not impinge on the historic architecture of the Three Graces and, rather than build an extra storey above, it should be lower than what is there at present. Why not a single storey? This would be easily accommodated by going subterranean thus leaving our gently ageing Edwardian beauties their full majesty. Considering the different heights of the sea level and the Pier Head it seems a bit of common sense is needed here."

A spokesman for Merseytravel said: "We are working closely with Liverpool City Council's planning department and we will supply any additional information that is needed."

Save the view of the 3 Graces, its about 10metres high for christs sake. I wonder if the nwmuseum willl ever get so much protection, i hope not because everything in the line of view wil only ever be about 5ft in height

Merseytravel have submitted plans for a three-storey building to replace the Mersey Ferry terminal built almost 30 years ago. The scheme involves demolition of the terminal with its tented roof, as well as the adjoining Shanghai Palace Chinese restaurant.


So the Shanghai Palace is actually going? The only render I ever saw of this was the one where the terminal backed right upto the Shanghai Palace but it was still there. Visually it looked crap to me. Has the design since been revised?

Three stories does seem to be one too many, but it makes a lot of sense having an observation area facing inland, not least because it might offer just a tad of protection from the vicious, cold wind.

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/5500/p1050673afilteredgh2.jpg

Three stories does seem to be one too many, but it makes a lot of sense having an observation area facing inland, not least because it might offer just a tad of protection from the vicious, cold wind. ]

I agree poli, I like the revised design, but maybe 3 storey`s is to high, I thought winging wayne :nuts: would be happy that we could all admire the three graces whilst sipping our latte`s or in Bunnymans case ,a pint of Cains:cheers:

I agree poli, I like the revised design, but maybe 3 storey`s is to high, I thought winging wayne :nuts: would be happy that we could all admire the three graces whilst sipping our latte`s or in Bunnymans case ,a pint of Cains:cheers:


Before I experienced Wayne being interviewed on the television/radio, I imagined him as some kind of Laurence Llewellyn Bowen and then some but with a posher accent. He actually comes across quite well and sounds well scouse. Not what I expected at all.

Sebo said, apart from the sacred Pier Head lunacy he spouts, he's not actually a bad bloke.

Great report on the front page of today's DP:

The Mersey Waterfront organanisation are in talks with Merseytravel to include Crosby in a river cruise, a landing stage at Crosby will enable passengers to get off and visit Another Place on Crosby beach. The Waterfront group are already looking at the Seaforth radar tower with a plan to turn this into 'The Observatory' which will give some of the best river views of the North Wales and Lancashire coastline.

In addition a new landing stage at New Brighton is part of the bigger plan giving the river cruise a triangular route. This is all part of the Mersey Waterfront organanisation's vision to increase activity on the river and improve the visitor experience.

A Merseytravel spokesman said " We're happy to explore this further and would look seriously at any genuine opportunity to expand other ports of call for the Mersey Ferries. We will certainly discuss the plans for Crosby Marina further and would consider operating ferries to the location if there is a good enough business case"


Brilliant plan!! a chance for the City region to get on board and organise LCC, Sefton and Wirral council along with Merseytravel and the Mersey Waterfront organanisation to deliver this great idea, just get it done!!!

Great report on the front page of today's DP:

The Mersey Waterfront organanisation are in talks with Merseytravel to include Crosby in a river cruise, a landing stage at Crosby will enable passengers to get off and visit Another Place on Crosby beach. The Waterfront group are already looking at the Seaforth radar tower with a plan to turn this into 'The Observatory' which will give some of the best river views of the North Wales and Lancashire coastline.

In addition a new landing stage at New Brighton is part of the bigger plan giving the river cruise a triangular route. This is all part of the Mersey Waterfront organanisation's vision to increase activity on the river and improve the visitor experience.

A Merseytravel spokesman said " We're happy to explore this further and would look seriously at any genuine opportunity to expand other ports of call for the Mersey Ferries. We will certainly discuss the plans for Crosby Marina further and would consider operating ferries to the location if there is a good enough business case"


Brilliant plan!! a chance for the City region to get on board and organise LCC, Sefton and Wirral council along with Merseytravel and the Mersey Waterfront organanisation to deliver this great idea, just get it done!!!

Agree Doug,this is just the sort of thing that the 'City Region' should oversee as soon as it is up and running.

Great report on the front page of today's DP:

The Mersey Waterfront organanisation are in talks with Merseytravel to include Crosby in a river cruise, a landing stage at Crosby will enable passengers to get off and visit Another Place on Crosby beach.

In addition a new landing stage at New Brighton is part of the bigger plan giving the river cruise a triangular route.


Brilliant plan!! a chance for the **** region to get on board and organise LCC, Sefton and Wirral council along with Merseytravel and the Mersey Waterfront organanisation to deliver this great idea, just get it done!!!


Agree, while Merseytravel and councils are establishing a business case, why don`t the Ferry Boats extend their "river cruise itinary" by sailing past "another place and out to the "bar" then about turn giving passengers a taste of "the good old days" when the big boats from across the Atlantic sailed up the river and docked at the Pier Head.

Agree, while Merseytravel and councils are establishing a business case, why don`t the Ferry Boats extend their "river cruise itinary" by sailing past "another place and out to the "bar" then about turn giving passengers a taste of "the good old days" when the big boats from across the Atlantic sailed up the river and docked at the Pier Head.

The rest of the landing stage has sunk, please see todays echo, wtf is wrong with this ****:ohno:

The rest of the landing stage has sunk, please see todays echo, wtf is wrong with this ****:ohno:


Oh shit, whats going on:ohno: Cann`t we do anything right in this city...................even the Echo is being printed on a Sunday :nuts:

I am sure the Daily Post editor, Mrs April Unno will get it sorted:lol:

Construction news is reporting that ...........Merseytravel have awarded the contract for the new terminal to .... ISG InteriorExterior.
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/7708/dsc03495aa6qn2.jpg



The existing terminal and adjacent Shanghai Palace will be demolished once the temporary ticket office has been erected on Canada Boulevard.

Just out of idle interest does anyone know what this terminal building will contain, ie, cafe, resturant / bar, ticket office, viewing platform?

Anything else?

I think it has a viewing platform, you can see tables/chairs on the roof of the image above. Will have the same as previous, only bigger and better.

The terminal will have an improved cafe and shops, new waiting areas, easy access to a new landing stage, a river viewing area and an area for various other possible uses.

Thank you ever so much.....:cheers:

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/2906/downbytheriver011eu3.jpg

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/6818/downbytheriver013hp5.jpg

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/3415/downbytheriver012do8.jpg

Smash it up!!!

It's been great every morning watching them smash up the old stage, i think they were hoping the tide would do the job for them when it sank last year!

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/2605/downbytheriver019mm2.jpg

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/2695/downbytheriver020ng6.jpg

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/9325/downbytheriver021ha9.jpg

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/1992/downbytheriver022dk0.jpg

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/1048/downbytheriver023ln0.jpg

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/1381/downbytheriver024bc1.jpg

mr-nad, great set of pics, I tried a few weeks back to get a shot of the splash made by the "harpoon" was not easy but great fun. thanks for the pics

In motion! If you don't mind...:)

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/5230/smdr6.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Heee heeee, smarty pants, great pics nevertheless!

The Seacat lounge for the IoM, this is the river side of all those portacabins.


http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3620/p1000097xw9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


The ferry decked out with lighting for the Pool of Light.

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/1729/p1000119bt3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/3294/p1000118jl3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Thankyou for the update Doug,
I wondered what all those porta cabins were, i thought it might have been the new migrant center *lol*
kat

Excellent night time cruise with Doug and Martin, and it was nice to meet PhilG briefly ( Phil must meet up again for a proper chat and:cheers:)...

I must practice my night time shots, these are not to clever.............

Royal Daffodill looked very cool all dressed in Blue led lights......
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/PoolofLightNov08201.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/PoolofLightNov08194.jpg


http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/PoolofLightNov08302.jpg

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http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/PoolofLightNov08263.jpg

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http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/PoolofLightNov08228.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/PoolofLightNov08248.jpg

( Phil must meet up again for a proper chat and:cheers:)...

Cheers Woody, sounds good to me, after Chrimbo would be good, i'm off for the 10 days and might have a new camera to play with. :)

Thankyou for the update Doug,
I wondered what all those porta cabins were, i thought it might have been the new migrant center *lol*
kat

The Daily Mail running riot again.

Great photos chaps. Thanks for sharing. :cheers:

From 08card.co.uk -

Travel to work with Mersey Ferries for FREE*

For a stress-free, reliable and quick way of getting to and from work, look no further than Mersey Ferries. For holders of the 08 Card, we are offering a FREE* week of travel on our commuter services from the 23-27 November 2009.

Why not give us a try and enjoy the following benefits?

* FREE parking at Seacombe Ferry Terminal.

* FREE coffee for morning commuters at Seacombe.

* Only 10 minutes crossing time between Seacombe and Liverpool.

* Direct services from Seacombe at 7:20am with a service every 20 minutes.

* Evening service from Liverpool every 30 minutes from 4:15pm.

* Discounted weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual passes available.

Further terms and details - http://www.08card.co.uk/site/environment_09/

From the Echo -

Sad end in sight for Royal Iris Mersey ferry

Feb 6 2010 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Echo

A SAD end is in sight for one of the best loved and most missed of the Mersey’s ferries.

Police and RNLI lifeboatmen were called to the Royal Iris where it has been laid up near Woolwich, on the River Thames.

The famed ferry, which left service on the Mersey in 1991, was this week found taking on water up to its deck.

The crew of the lifeboat station in Gravesend were sent to the boat by police and London Coastguard officials.

They arrived to find water swamped up to the level of the deck and evidence squatters had been living on board.

It is believed the vessel has been taking on water at every high tide as she sits on the mud.

RNLI man Graham Tassell said: “The vessel was swamped to the level of the deck – it was a pretty odd sight as everything was so calm.

“We conducted a search – thankfully no persons were found to be on board, although no-one could check the lower levels due to water entry.”

Article continues here - http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2010/02/06/sad-end-in-sight-for-royal-iris-mersey-ferry-100252-25774380/

From the Daily Post -

Mersey ferries contribute £34million to the tourism trade

Feb 15 2010 by Vicki Kellaway, Liverpool Daily Post

THE famed Mersey ferries contribute more than £34m a year to the region’s tourism trade, a report has revealed.

The North West research service for tourism and economic development released figures showing the ferries attracted 343,000 visitors last year.

Around 16% of those travelled to Merseyside from overseas.

The Mersey ferries work alongside other popular dockside attractions to generate tourism in the region.

The report found their appeal to visitors was continuing to expand.

It estimated that the popularity of the ferries and their associated attractions could grow by more than 25% in the next decade.

That would attract around 300,000 extra visitors to Merseyside based on current tourism numbers.

Article continues here - http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2010/02/15/mersey-ferries-contribute-34million-to-the-tourism-trade-92534-25834825/

when is the dedicated mersey ferry landing stage being installed?

“It was evident that the ferries’ future as a mere cross-river commuter service was bleak.

Whilst this was probably true, I do think that the usefulness of the ferrys as a commuter service has been scaled (no pun inteded) back to much. A friend of mine used to live in Seacombe and work in the city centre. The commute on the ferry was quick and relatively unstressful. However, this direct service only exists during two small windows in the morning & evening during rush hour. You can't go shopping in Liverpool on a Saturday afternoon and then go back home without doing some long stupid tour on the ferry. Whilst I understand that the ferry is subsidized, I think that if the tourism aspect brings so much to the economy anually, then they should improve the commuter services, which was the ferry's traditional raison d'être and what quite a few people still rely on.

... the electrification of the Borderlands line (Bidston / Wrexham), costed at £200 million and a new station to serve LFC at Anfield (costed at £2-£3million). The replacement of Merseyrail rolling stock will soon be a priority and will require the purchase of 70 3-car sets. ...
Lease of 70 3-car sets surely?
Unless they are to get new gear that someone has to buy. I had heard they will get used dual-voltage (AC/DC) equipment even if they have no use for the AC part.

As to the £200 million, I seem to recall that was the estimate for third-rail all the way to Wrexham. Did the overhead wires cost estimate project every get finished (surely many of the costs are the same for both)? Overhead wires just have to be cheaper in the rural sections. And across dockland for that matter.

I've just come back from an Institution of Civil Engineers talk by Neil Scales mainly about the new ferry terminal. Some interesting facts about the ferry service as well.

The Mersey Ferries carry 750,000 passengers per year of which 300,000 are tourists and the remainder commuters. That contrasts with the situation back in 1933 (the year before the tunnel opened) when there were 33 million commuters. The opening of the tunnels, decline in the port industries and the expansion of Merseyrail steadily reduced patronage to the extent that in 1976 there was an attempt by the PTA to close the service completely. As the Mersey Ferry is part of the Queens Highway it would take an Act of Parliament to close it and that was rejected.

The only reversal in the long term downturn in commuter traffic occurred in 1964, as a consequence of Gerry and the Pacemakers' hit with 'Ferry Cross the Mersey'.

So the ferries are now principally a tourist attraction, which is why it makes sense to develop other attractions at the terminals to allow the ferries to provide a full day out for the tourist.

As for the ferry terminal, this was developed with £6.0 million funding from Merseytravel, £3.7 million from the ERDF (which had to be spent by the end of 2008) and £0.8 million from the Mersey Waterfront and the NWDA.

Scales gave some indication of how the value of the site had grown by stating that the former Berni Inn was sold for £16,000 in 1997 whereas the Shanghai Palace was sold for £4 million.

The land on which the terminal stands is slightly to the north of the previous building and therefore encroached on land owned by Peel Holdings. Merseytravel were able to negotiate purchase of the land for £1, which was unusual given Peel's reputation.

The original plan called for the cantilever deck to be on the west (river) side but considerations of the wind direction forced a rethink. Other design factors were the preservation of sightlines (particularly the view down Water Street) and the need to be coaxial with the Edward VII statue.

(Someone brought up the question of the obstruction of the view of the Three Graces from the river. Scales replied that Merseytravel had taken the planners on a ferry trip at high tide to assure them that there would be no problem).

The architect's were Hamiltons of Belfast, chosen from a shortlist of five. Hamiltons were considered appropriate as all of their work is in ferry terminals.

The actual construction work took place between August of 2007 and December of 2008, so meeting the ERDF deadline. There were a lot of construction problems mainly due to underground obstructions (the borehole survey had been restricted by the former use of the site) and the discovery of blue asbestos in the Shanghai Palace during demolition.

There was also a major coordination issue with the site effectively landlocked by the canal and associated public realm works therefore giving only one point of access and egress. Prior to construction, an archaeological dig uncovered the old dock wall but Liverpool City Council allowed this to be backfilled for possible re-excavation in the future. Further intothe contract, the importer of the Italian stone cladding going out of business proved a major headache as the £1m cladding was formed from individually cut limestone slabs and Merseytravel were forced to negotiate with the administrator to ensure the material was delivered.

Structurally, the terminal sits on a grid of 600mm diameter continuous flight augered piles founded in the sandstone rock some 16m below ground level. The building has a steel frame stiffened by bi-steel lift cores. 'Cellform' beams (with circular web cut-outs) were used to support floors as they permit the installation of services and metal rib decking was used for the floors themselves.

The cladding is 50mm thick limestone with individually cut panels suspended off stainless steel Halfen profiles. This part of the work alone cost £1 million but was considered necessary for a 'signature' building.

One planning condition was that no roof penetrations or roof plant was allowed. They were also not permitted to install a wind turbine as these can create a 'radar shadow' which, apparently, was objected to for the effect on aviation. All the same, the building achieves a BREAM rating of 'very good' and incorporates such green measures as water reduction and water harvesting.

The rooftop restaurant to be provided will be another Chinese and is expecting a £2-£3 million turnover. The Beatles Museum that has already been opened gets 85% of its patronage from overseas. Apparently, the reason that the shop sells LFC gear and not EFC is because Everton is locked into a deal with Chang so their produce cannot be sold at the Ferry Terminal.

The Ferry Terminal is the latest stage in a major investment programme which has seen all three ferries recommissioned and all three terminals renewed plus the establishment of tourist attractions at these terminals. The final major investment will be the £8.25 million new ferry landing stage at Liverpool, for which a contractor has just been appointed and which is programmed for completion in 2011.

Scales also gave some facts about Merseytravel. The organisation has a turnover of £340 million and has wide ranging powers under the 1968 Transport Act - 'they could put a man on the moon provided his journey started and ended in Liverpool'.

The organisation is responsible for the ferries, tunnels and Merseyrail Electrics and lets the contracts for bus services run by private operators. In the last two years, its local transport plan has been awarded a double excellent status by the DoT, the effect of which is to receive a grant allocation of an extra £38 million.

The organisation is not for profit and any money made is returned to the 'stakeholders', the local councils who form the PTA. As with the local authorities, it is subject to audit by the district auditor.

Spending priorities for the near future include the Kirkby Interchange (affected by the outcome of the proposed Everton move and the future of Merseytram), the resurfacing of both road tunnels, the electrification of the Borderlands line (Bidston / Wrexham), costed at £200 million and a new station to serve LFC at Anfield (costed at £2-£3million). The replacement of Merseyrail rolling stock will soon be a priority and will require the purchase of 70 3-car sets.

In assessing capital expenditure on a project, Merseytravel go for three and a half per cent of turnover over thirty years whereas most authorities go for two and a half per cent. The additional spend is justified in the quality of the finished product and the savings on maintenance so, for example, the Queen Square bus shelters have stainless steel fittings.

Scales anticipates that the cutback in public expenditure that is inevitable over the next few years will result in a 20% reduction in capital expenditure.

All interesting stuff Martin, thanks.

Cheers Martin, good to hear progress on the Pier Head Link Span and pontoon.

Scales also gave some facts about Merseytravel. The organisation... 'could put a man on the moon provided his journey started and ended in Liverpool'.


Finally, the Wirralites discover what their tunnel tolls are going towards!

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/209884main_Shuttle1.jpg

... the electrification of the Borderlands line (Bidston / Wrexham), costed at £200 million and a new station to serve LFC at Anfield (costed at £2-£3million). The replacement of Merseyrail rolling stock will soon be a priority and will require the purchase of 70 3-car sets. ...
Lease of 70 3-car sets surely?
Unless they are to get new gear that someone has to buy. I had heard they will get used dual-voltage (AC/DC) equipment even if they have no use for the AC part.

As to the £200 million, I seem to recall that was the estimate for third-rail all the way to Wrexham. Did the overhead wires cost estimate project every get finished (surely many of the costs are the same for both)? Overhead wires just have to be cheaper in the rural sections. And across dockland for that matter.

Whilst this was probably true, I do think that the usefulness of the ferrys as a commuter service has been scaled (no pun inteded) back to much. A friend of mine used to live in Seacombe and work in the city centre. The commute on the ferry was quick and relatively unstressful. However, this direct service only exists during two small windows in the morning & evening during rush hour. You can't go shopping in Liverpool on a Saturday afternoon and then go back home without doing some long stupid tour on the ferry. Whilst I understand that the ferry is subsidized, I think that if the tourism aspect brings so much to the economy anually, then they should improve the commuter services, which was the ferry's traditional raison d'être and what quite a few people still rely on.

I don't think any real attempt has been made to grow the non-tourist market. A major difficulty is that the current ferries because of their size don't lend themselves to that end. Smaller, faster craft and more landing stages along the river might be something to look into.

I've just come back from an Institution of Civil Engineers talk by Neil Scales mainly about the new ferry terminal. Some interesting facts about the ferry service as well.

The Mersey Ferries carry 750,000 passengers per year of which 300,000 are tourists and the remainder commuters. That contrasts with the situation back in 1933 (the year before the tunnel opened) when there were 33 million commuters. The opening of the tunnels, decline in the port industries and the expansion of Merseyrail steadily reduced patronage to the extent that in 1976 there was an attempt by the PTA to close the service completely. As the Mersey Ferry is part of the Queens Highway it would take an Act of Parliament to close it and that was rejected.

The only reversal in the long term downturn in commuter traffic occurred in 1964, as a consequence of Gerry and the Pacemakers' hit with 'Ferry Cross the Mersey'.

So the ferries are now principally a tourist attraction, which is why it makes sense to develop other attractions at the terminals to allow the ferries to provide a full day out for the tourist.

As for the ferry terminal, this was developed with £6.0 million funding from Merseytravel, £3.7 million from the ERDF (which had to be spent by the end of 2008) and £0.8 million from the Mersey Waterfront and the NWDA.

Scales gave some indication of how the value of the site had grown by stating that the former Berni Inn was sold for £16,000 in 1997 whereas the Shanghai Palace was sold for £4 million.

The land on which the terminal stands is slightly to the north of the previous building and therefore encroached on land owned by Peel Holdings. Merseytravel were able to negotiate purchase of the land for £1, which was unusual given Peel's reputation.

The original plan called for the cantilever deck to be on the west (river) side but considerations of the wind direction forced a rethink. Other design factors were the preservation of sightlines (particularly the view down Water Street) and the need to be coaxial with the Edward VII statue.

(Someone brought up the question of the obstruction of the view of the Three Graces from the river. Scales replied that Merseytravel had taken the planners on a ferry trip at high tide to assure them that there would be no problem).

The architect's were Hamiltons of Belfast, chosen from a shortlist of five. Hamiltons were considered appropriate as all of their work is in ferry terminals.

The actual construction work took place between August of 2007 and December of 2008, so meeting the ERDF deadline. There were a lot of construction problems mainly due to underground obstructions (the borehole survey had been restricted by the former use of the site) and the discovery of blue asbestos in the Shanghai Palace during demolition.

There was also a major coordination issue with the site effectively landlocked by the canal and associated public realm works therefore giving only one point of access and egress. Prior to construction, an archaeological dig uncovered the old dock wall but Liverpool City Council allowed this to be backfilled for possible re-excavation in the future. Further intothe contract, the importer of the Italian stone cladding going out of business proved a major headache as the £1m cladding was formed from individually cut limestone slabs and Merseytravel were forced to negotiate with the administrator to ensure the material was delivered.

Structurally, the terminal sits on a grid of 600mm diameter continuous flight augered piles founded in the sandstone rock some 16m below ground level. The building has a steel frame stiffened by bi-steel lift cores. 'Cellform' beams (with circular web cut-outs) were used to support floors as they permit the installation of services and metal rib decking was used for the floors themselves.

The cladding is 50mm thick limestone with individually cut panels suspended off stainless steel Halfen profiles. This part of the work alone cost £1 million but was considered necessary for a 'signature' building.

One planning condition was that no roof penetrations or roof plant was allowed. They were also not permitted to install a wind turbine as these can create a 'radar shadow' which, apparently, was objected to for the effect on aviation. All the same, the building achieves a BREAM rating of 'very good' and incorporates such green measures as water reduction and water harvesting.

The rooftop restaurant to be provided will be another Chinese and is expecting a £2-£3 million turnover. The Beatles Museum that has already been opened gets 85% of its patronage from overseas. Apparently, the reason that the shop sells LFC gear and not EFC is because Everton is locked into a deal with Chang so their produce cannot be sold at the Ferry Terminal.

The Ferry Terminal is the latest stage in a major investment programme which has seen all three ferries recommissioned and all three terminals renewed plus the establishment of tourist attractions at these terminals. The final major investment will be the £8.25 million new ferry landing stage at Liverpool, for which a contractor has just been appointed and which is programmed for completion in 2011.

Scales also gave some facts about Merseytravel. The organisation has a turnover of £340 million and has wide ranging powers under the 1968 Transport Act - 'they could put a man on the moon provided his journey started and ended in Liverpool'.

The organisation is responsible for the ferries, tunnels and Merseyrail Electrics and lets the contracts for bus services run by private operators. In the last two years, its local transport plan has been awarded a double excellent status by the DoT, the effect of which is to receive a grant allocation of an extra £38 million.

The organisation is not for profit and any money made is returned to the 'stakeholders', the local councils who form the PTA. As with the local authorities, it is subject to audit by the district auditor.

Spending priorities for the near future include the Kirkby Interchange (affected by the outcome of the proposed Everton move and the future of Merseytram), the resurfacing of both road tunnels, the electrification of the Borderlands line (Bidston / Wrexham), costed at £200 million and a new station to serve LFC at Anfield (costed at £2-£3million). The replacement of Merseyrail rolling stock will soon be a priority and will require the purchase of 70 3-car sets.

In assessing capital expenditure on a project, Merseytravel go for three and a half per cent of turnover over thirty years whereas most authorities go for two and a half per cent. The additional spend is justified in the quality of the finished product and the savings on maintenance so, for example, the Queen Square bus shelters have stainless steel fittings.

Scales anticipates that the cutback in public expenditure that is inevitable over the next few years will result in a 20% reduction in capital expenditure.

Very thorough and informative update Martin, thanks! :cheers:

Great write-up.

Did Mr Scales offer any explanation as to why the building looks so shite?

Finally, the Wirralites discover what their tunnel tolls are going towards!

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/209884main_Shuttle1.jpg

:lol:

Lease of 70 3-car sets surely?
Unless they are to get new gear that someone has to buy. I had heard they will get used dual-voltage (AC/DC) equipment even if they have no use for the AC part.

As to the £200 million, I seem to recall that was the estimate for third-rail all the way to Wrexham. Did the overhead wires cost estimate project every get finished (surely many of the costs are the same for both)? Overhead wires just have to be cheaper in the rural sections. And across dockland for that matter.

Good point Holly. I'm not sure what costs would accrue to Merseytravel from leasing new units but there may be issues such as the upgrading of depot facilities etc.

I doubt that the replacement units would be second hand - maybe that relates to the City Line electrifications (Edge Hill to Manchester and Wigan) which I understand will receive cascaded Thameslink 319 units.

I think that the £200 million does refer to the whole Bidston - Wrexham project. Probably OHLE would be cheaper as it requires fewer sub-stations. In urban areas, there are generally increased costs due to the need to raise overbridges etc but that is less of an issue nowadays.

Great write-up.

Did Mr Scales offer any explanation as to why the building looks so shite?

Not in so many words. He made the point that a building of this type in such a setting is bound to attract criticism and as an engineer, not an architect, he wasn't qualified to judge.

The fact that the building was turned through 180 degrees probably explains why the Pier Head elevation may be too dominant.


One other bit of information that I didn't mention yesterday is that in response to a question about the proposed Cruise Liner Terminal (embarkation and disembarkation), Mr Scales was rather non-committal. He made the point that Southampton isn't bristling with 5 star hotels and so the supposed benefits may just be an 'urban myth'.

Counter intuitive maybe but I suppose that an organisation such as Merseytravel will need to do in-depth studies before it can commit to spending the sort of money involved.

Good point Holly. I'm not sure what costs would accrue to Merseytravel from leasing new units but there may be issues such as the upgrading of depot facilities etc.

I doubt that the replacement units would be second hand - maybe that relates to the City Line electrifications (Edge Hill to Manchester and Wigan) which I understand will receive cascaded Thameslink 319 units.


Correct. Merseyrail will be getting new build for Northern and Wirral lines.

From the Daily Post -

Wirral businessman’s bid to save Liverpool's Royal Iris

Feb 20 2010 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Echo

A BUSINESSMAN has revealed he is in negotiations with the owner of the Royal Iris to buy the much-loved historic former ferry.

Known as the “fish and chip” boat, the Royal Iris has lain derelict on the Thames for the last eight years.

The ECHO revealed how she had become flooded on high tides and was in a sorry state.

But the Wirral businessman – who wishes to remain anonymous while negotiations continue – said he hoped to bring the boat back to the Mersey.

He said: “It is not a selfish thing and if others want to become involved they are welcome – but I have spent several years trying to convince the owner of the Royal Iris to sell her to me.

Article continues here - http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2010/02/20/wirral-businessman-s-bid-to-save-liverpool-s-royal-iris-100252-25875454/

Wirral businessman’s bid to save Liverpool's Royal Iris
Feb 20 2010 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Echo
A BUSINESSMAN has revealed he is in negotiations with the owner of the Royal Iris to buy the much-loved historic former ferry. ...

You have to wonder whether it might not be cheaper and better to have Cammell Laird quote for building a fully operational full-size replica.
GPB50Million would be my guess.
Twin-screw diesel-electric in historic Wallasey Corporation livery of course.

That still doesn't buy the name back though.
Come to think of it, why the heck is it not simply the TSMV Iris now it is privately owned?

Soon to head back to her" mother port", Mersey Ferry Snowdrop berthed in Salford Quays this morning...................

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/MerseyFerryBoatSNOWDROPinSalford25J.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/MerseyFerryBoatSNOWDROPinSalford-1.jpg

Like Gulliver in Lilliput ^^

That's so wrong seeing that there,is nothing sacred?:cripes:

That's so wrong seeing that there,is nothing sacred?:cripes:

Worry not ,It gets better today ( or for you maybe worse:nuts:), I have just returned from Irlam Locks and witnessed, hundreds of "scouse missionarys" sailing into Mancland, to spread the gossip of Uncle Joe:lol:

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIr-20.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIr-19.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIr-18.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIr-17.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIr-16.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIr-15.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIr-14.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIr-13.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIr-11.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIr-10.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIr-9.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIr-8.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIr-7.jpg

Both waiting for the rising water, before they head off to Salford Quays, Snowdrop was packed, so Royal Daffodil was used as "backup",this happens most week ends. So these canal cruisers must be earning Merseytravel a few bob.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIr-6.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIr-5.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIr-4.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIr-3.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIr-2.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIr-1.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/liverpool%202010/TwoMerseyFerryBoatsnegotiatingIrlam.jpg

From Place North West -

Record figures for cruises, says Merseytravel

15 Sep 2010, 08:50
Michael Hunt

Passenger transport executive Merseytravel has reported record figures for the number of people enjoying cruises along the Manchester Ship Canal using Mersey Ferries.

Merseytravel said the number of passengers taking the cruise has consistently risen over the last two years, with over 22,500 taking the cruise so far this season, over 1,000 more than during 2009.

The cruise travels along 35 miles of the Manchester Ship Canal and offers a commentary along the way, which tells the story of how the waterway shaped the city of Manchester and the North West.

The journey passes through locks and bridges that have remained largely unchanged since their construction over 100 years ago and features architectural and natural sights.

Neil Scales, chief executive and director general of Merseytravel, said: "As part of the Mersey Ferry operation we are very pleased with the growth in passenger numbers taking the Manchester Ship Canal Cruises which are proving to be a valuable addition to our tourism offer."

Article continues here - http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/7152-record-figures-for-cruise-trips-says-merseytravel.html

View back to Liverpool from the Manchester Ship Canal Mersey Ferry Cruise:

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/1319/img0604av.jpg (http://img440.imageshack.us/i/img0604av.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Work to start 8th November decommissioning current Pier Head landing stage in readiness for new structure.

Work to start 8th November decommissioning current Pier Head landing stage in readiness for new structure.

Why has all this taken so long!?

That's a cracking photo by BeeGee which I had somehow previously missed.

Me too,that's a great picture.:cheers:

Why has all this taken so long!?

Apparently there has been a lot of negotiation about this contract between Merseytravel and Balfour Beatty, the chosen contractor. It is a very complex operation. I don't know why that is, but I guess that if this is to be a stage moored to dolphins, as with the cruise liner stage, there may be a problem with the tunnels underneath or the remains of the earlier stage, the logistics of keeping the ferry service in operation or maybe the space limitations on the contractor's worksite.

Apparently there has been a lot of negotiation about this contract between Merseytravel and Balfour Beatty, the chosen contractor. It is a very complex operation. I don't know why that is, but I guess that if this is to be a stage moored to dolphins, as with the cruise liner stage, there may be a problem with the tunnels underneath or the remains of the earlier stage, the logistics of keeping the ferry service in operation or maybe the space limitations on the contractor's worksite.

Interesting. Cheers Mart.

The ferries are moving to the clt on monday for a year!

Liverpool Pier Head ferry landing stage closed for 12 months
11:20am Friday 5th November 2010

From Monday, Mersey Ferries will be closing its Pier Head landing stage and operating from the Liverpool Cruise Liner facility at Princes Parade.

A landing stage at the Pier Head terminal is scheduled to reopen in November, 2011.

There will be no change to the ferry timetable and tickets are still on sale from the Pier Head Ferry Terminal, but passengers should allow extra time after buying their ticket to get to the cruise liner facility.

The Pier Head Ferry Terminal building will remain open for business.

When cruise liners are visiting the city, Mersey Ferries will not be able to use the facility and services will be suspended.

Ferry tickets can be used on these occasions on trains between Hamilton Square and James Street.

Source: Wirral Globe (http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/8620165.Liverpool_Pier_Head_ferry_landing_stage_closed_for_12_months/)

'When cruise liners are visiting the city, Mersey Ferries will not be able to use the facility and services will be suspended. '

Very disappointed with this,I would expect days when we have Liners in that the ferries do a roaring trade-not in 2011 they wont.

Surely it doesnt take twelve months to fit a new landing stage?

Surely it doesnt take twelve months to fit a new landing stage?

No, it doesn't, but they are too scared tell us it will take two years :lol:

I agree though, pretty poor show about the ferries.

'When cruise liners are visiting the city, Mersey Ferries will not be able to use the facility and services will be suspended. '

Very disappointed with this,I would expect days when we have Liners in that the ferries do a roaring trade-not in 2011 they wont.

Surely it doesnt take twelve months to fit a new landing stage?

Hi Cambrian,
I assume the very switched on people that run mersey ferries,may have worked out they can still operate from Woodside and seacombe when liners are in,If they havent worked that out,hopefully they will read this post LOL.

'When cruise liners are visiting the city, Mersey Ferries will not be able to use the facility and services will be suspended. '
Very disappointed with this,I would expect days when we have Liners in that the ferries do a roaring trade-not in 2011 they wont.

Would it not be possible to operate some of the ferries from Canning Half-Tide dock during these periods? It appears the lock gates provide a 45ft entrance and MV Snowdrop is 40ft in the beam.

Due to be installed 4th November (subject to weather conditions)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/Orange1878/image001.jpg

Due to be installed 4th November (subject to weather conditions)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/Orange1878/image001.jpg Really? Is that it? It's certainly no Seacombe! Although I suppose they didn't want to obstruct the view of the graces with a taller waiting area. Is that Merseyside Fire and Rescue bit an exhibition?

Very underwhelmed!

Well I suppose its functional and it does finish off this developement. The dolphins look huge, Shame its not linked to the larger stage though.

. Is that Merseyside Fire and Rescue bit an exhibition?

No, its the new permanant base for MFRS Marine Rescue unit, which has been sharing facilities with the Liverpool Pilot on the Cruise Liner Facility.

This is a bit of a let down - though if they're going to do things on the cheap then I'd rather it was basic and functional like this, rather than going for cheap designs and getting it badly wrong.

Sorry, but I am not underwhelmed, apart from the MFRS building, this structure is a "floating bus stop c/w shelter". All the creature comforts for the passengers are a few metres away ,up the link span and into the ferry terminal........ticket office/cafe/bar/toilets/restaurant/shop.
Thanks Orange 1878 for the CGI.

I think that they should be renamed Mersey Furries. And each boat would be covered with a brown, felt-effect outer layer, glued onto its superstructure.

That way, Liverpool could have a fleet of massive, passenger-carrying beavers nosing about the river.

Oh well, too late to delete it now.

Sorry, but I am not underwhelmed, apart from the MFRS building, this structure is a "floating bus stop c/w shelter". All the creature comforts for the passengers are a few metres away ,up the link span and into the ferry terminal........ticket office/cafe/bar/toilets/restaurant/shop.
Thanks Orange 1878 for the CGI.

Indeed. It also means that people are more likely to use the cafe and shop while they wait for their boat, rather than heading out onto the river.

I think its fine. I wasn't expecting anything other than a functional tool and the place to wait is the terminal building anyway. At least it is finally here as the wait has taken ages.

I think its fine. I wasn't expecting anything other than a functional tool and the place to wait is the terminal building anyway. At least it is finally here as the wait has taken ages.

That's my take on it as well,it's took long enough and now I'm glad it's here.

Due to be installed 4th November (subject to weather conditions)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/Orange1878/image001.jpg


Pic by Rob J Ward (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjrob/6312724584/in/pool-595503@N24/) on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6040/6312724584_e70ef6578e_b.jpg

That looks much better than the render - looks good!

I think the blend of the modern with the classical at the Pier Head works, spectacularly.

I thought the renders looked good, and the finished product seems to fit nicely with the Ferry Terminal :)

Looks good, and nice to see some properly sized gangplanks - but I hope they are manually operated and not these appalling modern mechanised ones that take FOREVER to go up and down. It's part of the assault on manual labour, a bit like binmen not being allowed to lift up bins in case it hurts them, and to my mind the gangplanks (or whatever they are called) should be hurtled down manually making a great crashing noise.

Pictures can be deceptive - it also looks a bit small. I assume it is big enough to deal with summer peaks when you sometimes get full ferries arriving and departing?

I think this will work out just fine, functional to the point and a new home for the Fire and Rescue Service, also very convenient for passengers once the new linkspan bridge is in place.

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/9348/p1020282j.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/62/p1020282j.jpg/)


http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/7184/p1020283e.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/444/p1020283e.jpg/)


http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/1705/p1020284w.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/580/p1020284w.jpg/)


http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/2823/p1020285x.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/401/p1020285x.jpg/)


http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/2787/p1020286u.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/214/p1020286u.jpg/)


http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/1337/p1020288x.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/707/p1020288x.jpg/)


http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/2694/p1020289o.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/535/p1020289o.jpg/)

Anyone have any ideas when the linkspan will be added?

Doug, great shots, those buildings are finished to a very high standard. Stainless steel cladding and fascias with glazed barriers, looks like passengers, incoming and outgoing are going to be segregated, would also apply to the linkspan.

I am amused at MFRS calling their new base a "community fire and rescue station`, I know that new land based stations have facilities that the public can use, but is this the countries first floating station were passengers can pop into the gym before jumping on a ferry:)

Completed River Mersey landing stage brings Mersey Ferries closer to Pier Head return
by Laura Cox, Liverpool Echo, Nov 7 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/nov2011/0/5/new-landing-stage-581943183.jpg

THE iconic Mersey Ferries have moved closer to reopening their Liverpool Pier Head crossing as a new River Mersey landing stage was unveiled.

The structure was towed into place over the weekend to replace one which dramatically sank in March 2006.

Crowds turned out to watch as the platform was submerged by the waves during stormy weather.

Ferry services were suspended and replaced by temporary buses before resuming from a pontoon near the Isle of Man landing stage, where they have remained ever since.

Five years later the £8m scheme to replace the collapsed landing stage is almost complete.

The new structure will be connected by bridge to the Pier Head ferry terminal and be home to a Mersey fire and rescue river-based station.

Merseytravel chief executive Neil Scales said: “This has been a significant project for Merseytravel and a long time coming.

“We are eager for the final stages of the project to come together so we can see the world-famous Mersey Ferries calling once again at the spiritual home in front of the Three Graces.”

Read More (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2011/11/07/completed-river-mersey-landing-stage-brings-mersey-ferries-closer-to-pier-head-return-100252-29732660/#ixzz1d0Ti3a3h)

Anyone have any ideas when the linkspan will be added?

Was supposed to be this Friday,but been told its now being installed on Monday(14th) :cheers:

Pic by Rob J Ward (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjrob/6393890877/in/set-72157627841280313/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6393890877_4e1ba71669_b.jpg

Well that looks cheap and cheerful!

Pic by Rob J Ward (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjrob/6393890877/in/set-72157627841280313/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6393890877_4e1ba71669_b.jpg



That looks ok but surely there will be some closure to the sides, as a passenger on the way to work it's hardly going to be fun being splattered by a howling gale, or is Merseytravels strategy to blow away and/or drown their customers? On second thoughts, don't answer that question.

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/4457/p1020303w.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/577/p1020303w.jpg/)


http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/7407/p1020304y.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/196/p1020304y.jpg/)


http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/1774/p1020305c.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/846/p1020305c.jpg/)


http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/2899/p1020306e.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/820/p1020306e.jpg/)

Are those Walrus readers at the top of the gangplank?

Are those Walrus readers at the top of the gangplank?

Well spotted. Quite possibly.

^^

Yes and fully enabled.

Hope it's not built with European money the southamptoner's will be makeing a petition up.

Hope it's not built with European money the southamptoner's will be makeing a petition up.

Tom
Think the total cost of the Ferry terminal was about £7m of which £3.7m came from EU Objective One funding

The new terminal is OK but I remember as a kid being impressed by the dark walkways which led from the quayside down to the landing stage and dodging the hordes of people, bicycles etc which used the service

Mersey ferry terminal opens to passengers at Pier Head

A new landing stage for the Mersey Ferries has opened to passengers at Liverpool's Pier Head.

The £8m terminal replaces a temporary facility which has been in use since the previous landing stage sank in bad weather in 2006.

The landing stage will also be the base for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service's river based fire station.

Part of the cost of the new terminal was funded by £3.8m from the European Regional Development Fund.

Neil Scales, chief executive of Merseytravel, said: "We are delighted to see the world famous Mersey Ferries calling once again at the spiritual home in front of the Three Graces.

"Our tourism strategy contributes more than £34m and the equivalent of 742 full-time jobs to the region's economy each year."

^^

I do find it a little disconcerting though that is has taken almost six years to get a permanent landing stage sorted. I know there were other issues like the building of the new ferry terminal building, plus £8million isn't exactly something you find down the back of the sofa, but it does still seem like a long time. Still though, it's good news that it's finally sorted.

Pic by grahammorgan (http://www.flickr.com/photos/greybeats/6710539839/in/pool-595503@N24/)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6710539839_b6e760a80e_b.jpg