Planning permission has been granted for an £80m station at Headbolt Lane in Kirkby.
Work will now begin on site in January 2022, with the aim of opening the station in Spring 2023.
The project is being delivered by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority working alongside Knowsley Council, Network Rail, Merseyrail and Northern. Money for the development has come from the Transforming Cities Fund.
The new station plans include:
- Step-free access throughout the station
- A bus interchange
- Cycle parking
- Links to local cycling and walking networks
- Passenger waiting facilities and toilets
- Approximately 300 park and ride spaces
The full scope includes the extension of the Merseyrail network beyond the existing Kirkby station and will see Merseyrail services run into the new station. Northern services from Wigan and Manchester will also operate to and from the new three-platform station.
This will be the very first station to benefit from battery technology on new trains for the Merseyrail network, which removes the need to extend the third rail beyond the existing Kirkby station.
The project is also designed to support future plans to build a new rail link to Skelmersdale.
The new station is part of Metro mayor Steve Rotheram’s plans to deliver a London-style integrated transport system for the City Region, bringing together bus, rail, ferry and active travel in one simple, affordable and easy to use transport network.
It is also aligned to Knowsley Council’s plans to improve transport access in the area for residents whilst also supporting workers and visitors to one of Europe’s largest employment sites – Knowsley Business Park.
Steve Rotheram, mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Coming from Kirkby, I’m always proud to see the work we are doing to help get the area back on the up again. From the tens of millions that we have invested in the Townie, to the construction of this new station, it’s a great example of how we’re making a real difference because of devolution – and the ability it gives us to make more decisions locally.
“It’s fantastic news that the scheme to build a new station at Headbolt Lane has been granted planning permission. I can’t wait for work to get underway or to see the first passengers boarding trains there in 2023.
“This is just one step on the journey towards delivering my ambition for a London-style transport system that will make getting around our region quick, cheap and reliable wherever you live.”
Philippa Britton, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail, said: “We are delighted the Mayor and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority continue to invest in the rail network for the environmental and economic benefits it brings to people’s lives.
“The new accessible railway station at Headbolt Lane – served by battery operated trains – will not only reduce CO2 emissions by taking cars off the roads, but it will also provide better rail links to employment and leisure sites within the City Region and beyond.”
Andy Heath, managing director at Merseyrail, said: “It’s great news that Knowsley Council has approved plans for a new station at Headbolt Lane in Kirkby – moving one step closer to extending the Merseyrail network and laying foundations for further expansion in the future.
“Merseyrail aims to provide an affordable, reliable and safe train service to support the region’s growing economy. Expanding the network means that more people from more of our communities can chose to travel by train.
“We look forward to welcoming passengers to Headbolt Lane once the station opens.”
Chris Jackson, Regional Director for Northern said: “We have been working with the project team and are absolutely delighted that planning permission for Headbolt Lane has been granted.
“The new modern station will provide increased connectivity and journey opportunities for the residents of Kirkby. We will now focus our efforts into developing and introducing a timetable plan for the station.”
