Purpose

To update the Combined Authority on the development of current and planned rail station investment initiatives.

The report also seeks approval of the Liverpool Baltic Station Full Business Case and appropriate delegations of authority to commence the Implementation Phase of the project.

Decision

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Station Investment Update:

(a)         The development of rail station investment initiatives and new stations as part of enhancements to the wider Metro network be noted;

(b)         The provision of capital funding for the Liverpool Baltic Rail Station Project to enable progression into the Project’s delivery phase, to be delivered by the Combined Authority utilising Merseytravel as its delivery vehicle, and comprising the following allocations be approved:

(i)       £144.3m for the delivery of the Baltic Rail Station; and

(ii)     £15.7m for associated highways works.

(c)          The use of Combined Authority reserve funding up to the value recommended in Appendix 1 to facilitate the purchase of land connected with station improvements, noting the intention that funds will be reimbursed from the TCR Programme budget following Full Business Case approval;

(d)         Delegated authority be granted to the Executive Director – Place to put in place and manage the arrangements for the funding provision and contractual requirements for the Liverpool Baltic Rail Station Project in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and Executive Director – Resources; and

(e)         Delegated authority be granted to the Executive Director – Place, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and the Executive Director – Resources to progress the land acquisition set out at (c) above.