Centrally located with excellent road, rail, sea and air links, the area offers strategic advantages to visitors and all forms of national and international business and trade. Wirral Waters is centred on the Wirral Dock system on the banks of the River Mersey, where it overlooks Liverpool’s world-class city waterfront.
Wirral Waters is accessed by the M53 motorway, which is connected to the M56. Access to the M6 is under Xmins. To the north of Liverpool the M58 and M62 link to the M6. Two road tunnels connect the Wirral to Liverpool and the new Mersey Gateway Bridge provides a new efficient link between Liverpool and Runcorn.
Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester airports are both 45 minutes by road to Wirral Waters. Liverpool John Lennon provides regularly scheduled services to domestic and European destinations with Easyjet, the popular local cost carrier. Manchester Airport offers flights to many destinations worldwide, with a direct train available from Liverpool Lime St.
The National Express runs coaches to and from the Wirral, with Liverpool as the main route to the rest of the country. To book, call 0871818178 or go to www.nationalexpress.co.uk.
The Ferry Across The Mersey direct cross-river service operates early mornings and evenings for seven days a week, taking just ten minutes between Seacombe/Woodside and the Pier Head.
There are also the River Explorer Cruises, operated by Mersey Ferries, with depart hourly from Liverpool and the Wirral – a lovely way for the family to enjoy the journey!
Additionally, Norfolk Line Ferries operate a ferry from Birkenhead’s Twelve Quays terminal – see more at www.norfolkline.com
A local rail network connects the Wirral to the national rail network via Liverpool Lime St station. For rail timetables and news, call Merseytravel on 0151 236 7676 or visit www.merseytravel.gov.uk
Localised public transport needs to be improved. One option would be the unique opportunity to provide a low cost, scalable, sustainable light rail feeder service into the Mersey Rail network involves building the Streetcar as a link between Wirral Waters and the Mersey Ferries and Pier Head – as well as commuter service into transport hubs.
East Wirral already offers a unique set of circumstances to enable the project, including an existing Heritage Tram system, second hand rolling stock, existing re-usable track and positive Government support. It’s also built into the area’s history: Birkenhead was the first place in Europe to have a street tram!
Peel are currently working with Merseytravel and Wirral Council on the Street Car, which is subject to a Major Transport Fund Bid.
The M53 Motorway serves Wirral Waters at Bidston. There are 4 railway stations within close proximity, 2 ferry terminals at Woodside and Seacombe, a good bus network and the proposed Wirral Streetcar system – a localised ‘feeder’ service into the Mersey Rail network. Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airports are within 45 minutes.
The Port of Liverpool and Liverpool2, both owned and operated by Peel Ports, make up one of the UK’s largest and most diverse ports. They handle over 33 million tonnes of cargo per year and serve a growing network of routes linking with more than 100 global locations.
The project sits at the centre of a unique SuperPort region, created by the combination of the Port of Liverpool, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, and the Manchester Ship Canal, offering connectivity to benefit all sectors of industry and commerce.
The City of Liverpool complements the commercial potential of Wirral Waters and is easily accessible from the River Mersey by road, rail and ferry. Manchester and Chester are also within close proximity, with excellent transport connections to both cities.
