Green light for Ł96 million plan for Liverpool Baltic Station

LOCAL leaders have approved a Ł96 million funding package to build the Liverpool Baltic Station, as part of Mayor Steve Rotheram's ongoing work to improve rail access across the Liverpool City Region.

The package was approved at a recent Combined Authority meeting, paving the way for a planning application to be submitted to Liverpool City Council in October. Pending approvals from the Department for Transport, construction will begin in 2025, with the Mayor pledging to have the Station open by 2027.

The investment will fund the new Station, alongside improvements to active travel and surrounding public spaces, following significant support from a recent public consultation. The Liverpool Baltic Station, set to be located on Merseyrail's Northern Line, will serve 1 of the City's most dynamic districts, recently named the 11th coolest neighbourhood in the world by Time Out magazine.

Plans for Liverpool Baltic include:- step free access from the street to the train, passenger waiting facilities, accessible toilets, secure cycle parking, and improved links to the area's walking and cycling networks. These enhancements aim to encourage more people to choose public transport, supporting the Region's climate goals.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:- "I've always said that a world class transport network is key to unlocking the full potential of our Region; and that's exactly what we're building. This new Station at Liverpool Baltic is just another step on the journey towards making our Merseyrail system bigger, better, and more accessible for everyone. People here are passionate about their communities, and I'm really proud to see the overwhelming support this project has seen, which reflects just how much of a difference it's going to make. It's about more than just getting from A to B; it's about connecting people with jobs, education, and each other while cutting down on car journeys to help us hit our net-zero targets. We're investing nearly Ł100 million into a Station that's going to change the face of 1 of the coolest, most vibrant areas in the country; and we're not stopping there. We've got plans for 3more Stations in Daresbury, Woodchurch, and Carr Mill. Good public transport is a right that should be enjoyed by all, not just those living in London."

The development builds on the success of the Ł80 million Headbolt Lane Station, which opened in 2023, in Kirkby. This Station is served by pioneering battery-powered trains which have brought about the 1st extension to the Merseyrail network in a generation, with further growth planned. The Mayor has also committed to delivering 3 further Stations, in:- Daresbury, Woodchurch, and Carr Mill, with work on all 3set to begin by the end of this decade.

The Ł96 million required for the Station will come from the Ł710 million City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), dedicated to major transport projects across the City Region. Alongside this, funding for various active travel schemes was also approved at this month's Combined Authority meeting.

For more information about the scheme, visit:- LiverpoolCityRegion-CA.Gov.UK.

Liverpool Philharmonic Ł1 Ticket Sale Returns

ON Sunday, 6 October, over 1,300 tickets to selected concerts at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and the Music Room will be available for just Ł1. This incredible sale spans a diverse range of genres offering something for every taste, including:-

Orchestral masterpieces: Experience the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performing timeless works from composers including:- Mozart, Bernstein and Mahler.
Pop sensations: Don't miss Peter Andre starring in:- "The Best of Frankie Valli."
Football legends: Join Everton icons Peter Reid, Neville Southall, and Joe Royle for an unforgettable evening.
Family favourites: Take your family on a musical trip throughout the ages with the Fantastic Philharmonic Time Machine.

The Liverpool Philharmonic Ł1 ticket sale has been running for over 10 years and continues to make world class entertainment accessible to all. For less than the price of a cup of coffee, audiences can experience the magic of live performance and the iconic Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Michael Eakin, Liverpool Philharmonic's Chief Executive, said:- "We hope that our Ł1 ticket sale will encourage more people to visit our iconic building and experience the joy of live music. Liverpool Philharmonic is rooted in the City and we are delighted to give the local community the chance to see some of the incredible concerts we have lined up this season. These tickets ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, can access the transformative power of music."

Domingo Hindoyan, Chief Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra says:- "I am so pleased that we can once again offer Ł1 tickets to selected concerts. We have an exciting season ahead featuring wonderful artists such legendary percussionist Colin Currie performing Elfman's Percussion Concerto, Angela Hewitt performing Mozart's Piano Concerto No.9 and violinist Michael Barenboim performing Bartók's Violin Concerto No.2. The Orchestra and I hope this offer will encourage more people to come and discover the Liverpool Philharmonic. Our love and passion for music is at the heart of every 1 of our concerts, and we hope to see our local audience come and experience this."

Tickets are available for purchase in-person only from the Liverpool Philharmonic Box Office from 10:30am-2pm on:- Sunday, 6 October. Ł1 tickets are limited to 4 per person. When the Ł1 tickets sell out, Liverpool Philharmonic is offering a 25% discount on tickets for the events in the sale on the day only in person.

Concerts included within the Ł1 ticket sale are:-

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra...

Season Opening Concert (Juan Bautista Plaza Vigilia Strauss 4 Last Songs, Mahler Symphony No.1) - Sunday, 20 October 2024 - 2.30pm.
Sunday Afternoon Mozart (Robin Haigh Concerto for Orchestra, Mozart Piano Concerto No.9, Sibelius Symphony No.3) - Sunday, 3 November 2024 - 2.30pm.
An American in Paris (Elfman Percussion Concerto, Copland 4 Dance Episodes from Rodeo, Gershwin An American in Paris) - Thursday, 14 November 2024 - 7.30pm.
2024 -
Mozart's Oboe Concerto (Mendelssohn Symphony No.4,:- 'Italian', Mozart Oboe Concerto, Ravel Pavane pour une infante défunte, Poulenc Sinfonietta) - Sunday, 1 December 2024 - 2.30pm.
Bernstein, Barber and Glass (Barber Essay No.2, Philip Glass Violin Concerto No.1, Bernstein Symphonic Dancesfrom West Side Story, Bernstein 3Dance Episodes from On The Town) - Thursday, 16 January 2024 - 7.30pm.
Slavic Masterpieces (Kodály Dances of Galánta, Bartók Violin Concerto No.2, Dvořák Symphony No.7) - Thursday, 6 February 2024 - 7.30pm.
The Fantastic Philharmonic Time Machine - Sunday, 9 March 2024 - 2.30pm.

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall...

Dick and Angel: Forever Home - Saturday, 12 October 2024 - 7.30pm.
Tales From The Grand Old Lady - Thursday, 24 October 2024 - 7.45pm.
Screening premiere of: Liverpool Story - Thursday, 21 November 2024 - 7.30pm.
Milton Jones - Sunday, 19 January 7.30pm.
Peter Andre Starring in The Best of Frankie Valli - Wednesday, 22 January 2024 - 7.30pm.