Major update on region’s new train station after construction firm …
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has given an update on the development of a new train station in the region after the main construction firm on the project filed a notice of administration.
Last week, Buckingham Group,[1] which is the principle contractor on the creation of a new Merseyrail station at Headbolt Lane in Kirkby, filed the notice amid financial problems at the firm.
The company is also the main contractor on the £80m project to redevelop the Anfield Road Stand at the home of Liverpool FC, with questions now raised about the progress of that project.
In terms of the impact on Headbolt Lane[3], Mayor Rotheram has now moved to reassure people that it will be minimal, with the £80m project now at an advanced stage.
In a statement, Mayor Rotheram said: "On Thursday we learned of the difficulties facing Buckingham Group and the potential effects on a number of projects across our area, including the new Headbolt Lane station in Kirkby.
"First and foremost, my thoughts are with the workers whose livelihoods have been affected by this announcement. Equally, the public also deserve reassurance that this setback will not impact the station development."
He added: "Fortunately, the majority of construction work on the project was already at an advanced stage before news about the contractor, appointed by Network Rail, broke just days ago.
"Today I have been informed that our plans remain on course: to complete Headbolt Lane by autumn."
Mayor Rotheram said that as a Kirkby native, he knows how long local people have been calling for a new station in the area, promising that 'their wait is almost over.'
He added: "We have invested £80m into this brand new, fully accessible station, which will be the first to be served by the country's first publicly owned battery powered trains. It is the gold standard of public transport - and the very least that our residents deserve."
The city region leader said residents will be kept informed about exact timescales for completion of the project.
Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here[4]
References
- ^ Last week, Buckingham Group, (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ B&B owners respond to claims they turned away Elle Edwards' dad over 'Scouse accent' (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ In terms of the impact on Headbolt Lane (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)