New ferry terminal to welcome first passengers

The budget for the terminal has almost doubled since the scheme began

The Isle of Man government's new £70m Liverpool ferry terminal will welcome its first passengers on Tuesday.

Originally due to open in May 2021, the bill to taxpayers spiralled from an initial £38m to at least £70.6m following a raft of delays.

The first sailing to use the terminal will leave the island's capital at 15:00 BST, arriving in Merseyside about 17:45, with the return sailing due at 19:15.

A spokesman for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said "we look forward to providing an enhanced travel experience at the new facility".

The first sailing will arrive at the terminal at around 17:45 on Tuesday

The scheme has been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the discovery of unexploded World War Two bombs and issues with reinforcing the river walls, among other issues.

Situated at Princes Dock, the new terminal is 800m (2,624ft) from the current site at Pier Head.

Foot passengers can access the terminal by a pedestrian bridge, while vehicle passengers are advised to use Jesse Hartley Way.

A promised bus connection has not yet been given a start date by Liverpool City Council, with the ferry company advising its passengers to get buses to St Nicholas Place "in the short term".

The new terminal includes a café in the departure lounge.

The Steam Packet spokesman added: "As with sailing to any new facility, it will take time for our captains, crew and staff to become fully accustomed to the terminal, and rectify any teething issues."