Plans for four new railway stations across the Liverpool City Region are moving forward, with proposed developments in Liverpool, St Helens, Halton and Wirral set to improve transport connections for thousands of residents.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram is pressing ahead with his commitment to begin work on four new railway stations by 2030, as part of his ambitious Merseyrail for All programme.
The proposed stations at Liverpool Baltic, Carr Mill, Daresbury and Woodchurch aim to connect more communities to jobs, education and opportunities while expanding the reach of the region’s rail network.
Progress on all four schemes will be considered by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on Friday 6 November, alongside proposals for further investment in existing railway stations.
Liverpool Baltic Station Set For Major Progress
Of the four proposed railway stations, Liverpool Baltic is the most advanced, with the Combined Authority being asked to approve its Full Business Case and give the green light for construction.
Located between Liverpool Central and Brunswick, the new station would provide a direct Merseyrail connection to the Baltic Triangle, one of Liverpool’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.
The development would make it easier for residents, workers and visitors to travel to and from the area, supporting its continued growth as a destination for businesses, hospitality and culture.
Subject to the necessary approvals, construction of Liverpool Baltic station is expected to begin in 2027.
Three More Railway Stations Planned Across The Region
Alongside Liverpool Baltic, work is progressing on three additional railway stations designed to improve connectivity across the wider city region.
Carr Mill, St Helens
Initial plans and designs have been completed for a proposed station at Carr Mill. Further development work is planned in partnership with Network Rail, Northern and St Helens Council.
The station would improve access to employment, education and other opportunities for local communities.
Daresbury, Halton
Feasibility studies and an initial business case have been commissioned for a potential new railway station at Daresbury.
Findings are expected in early 2027 and will help determine the next steps for the proposed development.
Woodchurch, Wirral
Early development work is also underway for a proposed railway station at Woodchurch.
Initial findings are expected in early 2027, helping to shape plans to improve rail connectivity for residents in the surrounding area.
Steve Rotheram On Expanding The Merseyrail Network
Speaking about the proposals, Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:
“When I became Mayor, it had been nearly 20 years since the last new Merseyrail station opened. Since then, we’ve opened two more – and now we’re making progress on another four.
“I’ve always believed that where you live shouldn’t determine the opportunities available to you in life. But if you can’t get to a decent job, college or university because there’s no convenient rail connection, you’re already starting at a disadvantage. I don’t think that’s right.
“That’s the thinking behind Merseyrail for All. I want to bring the benefits of our fantastic Merseyrail network to more people and places, including communities that have been cut off from those opportunities for too long. And it’s why I made a manifesto commitment to begin work on four new stations by 2030.”
The Mayor also highlighted the wider investment being made in public transport, including more than £500m spent on new publicly owned Merseyrail trains.
He added:
“These new stations represent so much more than dots on a map. They’re new connections to jobs, investment and opportunities for communities right across our region. And if we’re serious about delivering good growth in every postcode, we’ve got to make sure nobody gets left behind because of where they live.”
Existing Merseyrail Stations To Receive Improvements
As well as developing four new railway stations, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is progressing improvements across the existing network.
Work is underway to improve step-free access at Aigburth and Rock Ferry stations, with further accessibility schemes being developed at Port Sunlight and Walton.
These improvements support the Mayor’s ambition to make every local railway station fully accessible, allowing passengers to travel more independently and confidently.
Plans are also progressing for a major upgrade of Runcorn railway station, including a modern ticket office, improved waiting facilities, retail space and passenger toilets.
Further improvements are being explored at Moorfields station in Liverpool city centre.
Meanwhile, a £26m programme will improve signage, directions and real-time passenger information across the wider public transport network, helping passengers navigate services and make connections more easily.
Merseyrail To Return To Public Ownership In 2028
The investment comes ahead of plans to bring Merseyrail services into public ownership in 2028, when the current operating contract comes to an end.
The move is intended to give the Liverpool City Region greater control over rail operations and help integrate services with the region’s publicly controlled bus network, ferries and future rapid transit connections.
The programme builds on previous transport investments, including the opening of Headbolt Lane and Maghull North railway stations and the introduction of the region’s new £500m fleet of Merseyrail trains.
Together, the developments form part of Steve Rotheram’s ambition to create a fully integrated, London-style public transport network.
By expanding railway connections, improving accessibility and modernising existing stations, the Liverpool City Region hopes to make travel easier while supporting economic growth and creating more opportunities for communities across Merseyside.
