The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority meeting saw significant progress on major infrastructure projects, including the Mersey Tidal Power Project and the development of new rail stations. Discussions also focused on enhancing business support services and improving public transport accessibility.

Mersey Tidal Power Project Update

The Combined Authority endorsed the Bromborough to Otterspool corridor as the preferred development area for the Mersey Tidal Power Project (MTPP). Councillor Angela Ball, Cabinet Member for Energy and Environment, presented the findings of the Barrage Scheme Options Appraisal (BSOA) and the Financial Model Update, which identified a Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model as the most credible financing approach for the project's scale and complexity. The Authority delegated authority to the Executive Director Place to progress development activities for the preferred corridor and financing approach, including further engineering, environmental studies, and preparation for a Development Consent Order (DCO). This decision does not commit the Combined Authority to construction but allows for continued evidence gathering and project progression.

New Rail Stations Programme

Mayor Steve Rotheram, Cabinet Member for Transport, announced significant progress on the new rail stations programme, with the approval of the Full Business Case for the Liverpool Baltic Rail Station. This project, estimated to cost £160 million, will deliver a modern, accessible rail facility for the Baltic Triangle area, complementing wider regeneration plans. The Authority also approved the use of reserve funding to facilitate land acquisition for station improvements and delegated authority to the Executive Director Place to manage funding and contractual arrangements for the Liverpool Baltic project and land acquisition. Development work continues on new stations at Carr Mill, Daresbury, and Woodchurch, with further updates to follow.

The Future of Business Support

The Combined Authority endorsed a Core and Commissioned model for the future delivery of business support services across the Liverpool City Region. Councillor Paula Basnett, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Regeneration, presented the findings of the Future of Business Support commission, which highlighted the need for a more coordinated, long-term, and impact-focused system to address the region's productivity challenges. This model aims to combine strong regional leadership with specialist delivery partners, ensuring a more coherent and accessible support ecosystem for businesses. The Authority delegated authority to the Executive Director Investment and Delivery to develop the detailed commissioning and implementation framework.

Accessible Bus Stop Design Guidance

New design guidance for accessible bus stops and their associated walking and wheeling routes was approved. Councillor Steve Rotheram, Cabinet Member for Transport, presented the guidance, which aims to ensure consistent accessibility standards across the Liverpool City Region. The guidance incorporates feedback from extensive stakeholder engagement, including with disability advocacy groups, and aligns with national best practices and the Combined Authority's commitment to inclusivity. The Authority formally requested that all six constituent local authorities adopt this guidance.

Mersey Tidal Power Project Update

The Combined Authority received an update on the Mersey Tidal Power Project (MTPP), noting the completion of the Barrage Scheme Options Appraisal (BSOA) and Financial Model Update Report. Councillor Angela Ball, Cabinet Member for Energy and Environment, presented the findings, which recommended progressing Alignment B (Bromborough to Otterspool) as the preferred development corridor and endorsing the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model as the most credible financing approach. The Authority delegated authority to the Executive Director Place to progress development activities, including engineering, environmental studies, and DCO preparation.

Mayoral Strategic Authority Apprenticeship Brokerage

The Combined Authority approved the acceptance of £5,763,110 in funding from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver the Liverpool City Region Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) Apprenticeship Brokerage Pilot. Councillor Marion Atkinson, Cabinet Member for Skills and Employment, highlighted that this funding will enhance the existing brokerage function, support local authorities, and offer incentives to employers, aiming to increase apprenticeship starts for young people, particularly those not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

Strategic Investment Fund Update

The Combined Authority approved material changes to the Birkenhead Central Gateway (Argyle Street) project, extending its completion date to March 2028 and incorporating additional pedestrian and cycle improvements. They also approved the transfer of £400,791 to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to ensure the continuation of the Made Smarter programme. Furthermore, £1 million was allocated to the Housing Pre-Development Fund to accelerate housing delivery. Approval was also given for revised funding and project delivery arrangements for the Birkenhead Central Gateway (Hind Street) project, which will involve remediation of a disused gas storage site and the delivery of new homes and transport infrastructure.

Land and Property Investment

A grant allocation of £22,000,000 was approved for Karrev (Martins) Ltd to support the refurbishment of the Martins Bank building in Liverpool City Centre. Councillor Paula Basnett, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Regeneration, explained that this Grade A office space development is crucial for attracting inward investment and supporting the professional and business services sector. The project will create an estimated 743 net additional jobs and 150 construction jobs, including apprenticeships.

Liverpool City Region Health and Wellbeing Partnership Board

The Combined Authority approved the establishment of a new Liverpool City Region Health and Wellbeing Partnership Board. Councillor Liam Robinson, Cabinet Member for Public Service Innovation, presented the proposal, which aims to bring together local authorities, Cheshire and Merseyside NHS, and the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector to improve population health and reduce health inequalities. The Board will focus on shared priorities such as neighbourhood health, prevention, and place-based budgets.

Station Investment Update

The Authority approved the Full Business Case for the Liverpool Baltic Rail Station Project, allocating £160 million for its delivery, including £144.3 million for the station itself and £15.7 million for associated highway and connectivity improvements. Mayor Steve Rotheram, Cabinet Member for Transport, highlighted that this project will enhance connectivity, support economic growth, and regenerate the Baltic Triangle area. Approval was also given to proceed with land acquisition for station improvements, funded by Combined Authority reserves with the intention of reimbursement from the Transport for City Regions (TCR) Programme budget.

Other Matters

Minutes from previous meetings of the Transport Committee, Audit and Governance Committee, and Overview and Scrutiny Committee were noted. The Transport Committee also received presentations on bus franchise operators Stagecoach and Go North West, and an update on transport and infrastructure for the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Mersey Tunnels Byelaw Consultation was endorsed, and a brief Transport Policy Update was provided. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee held an informal discussion on the Liverpool City Region International Strategy. The Audit and Governance Committee received updates on internal audit work and the 2025/26 Statement of Accounts.