Mayor reveals plans for network - but warns not to expect the impossible

LIVERPOOL stations can’t produce new platforms with magic “like Harry Potter” according to the city region’s Metro Mayor, as plans for a new rail line connecting the city to Manchester are unveiled.

- By DAVID HUMPHREYS

Earlier this week, Steve Rotheram, alongside Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, presented plans to government officials calling on them to back proposals for a new Liverpool to Manchester rail link.

The two men believe the railway would underpin wider proposals for a “Northern Arc.” The new line - which would stretch from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly - could deliver a £15bn boost to the economy.

Mr Rotheram and Mr Burnham will ask for the government to make good on proposals for £17bn allocated for the rail link last year. It would also act as a catalyst for the wider generation of Liverpool Central station.

The redevelopment of Lime Street has also been long discussed, with the report both Mayors presented to Whitehall outlining it is already operating beyond capacity. Mr Rotheram explained to the ECHO how the wider plan to develop the new rail line could enable improvement to both city locations.