The new Isle of Man Ferry Terminal has opened at Princes Dock in Liverpool. BBC News reports that the £70m project has been delayed by up to three years, after disruptions caused by the Covid pandemic and the discovery of two unexploded world war two bombs, plus further issues with the construction process.
The new terminal will be served by a bus connection that will start at a later date. There is also a new pedestrian footbridge to the terminal, and vehicles can access it via the Jesse Hartley Way. The area around Liverpool Waterfront has seen significant regeneration recently, with new office space and residential apartments.
A spokesman for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said “we look forward to providing an enhanced travel experience at the new facility. 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.”
The project has been funded by the Isle of Man government, with costs escalating from an initial £38m to over £70m, and the finishing date extending from May 2021 to June 2024.
The Isle of Man Government’s Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall MHK said: “Bringing the new terminal and its associated infrastructure into full use has been hugely anticipated and will soon become part of our regular travelling experience.”
Minister Crookall added: “Having visited the site at various stages during its development, I know much of the heavy and complex work that’s been undertaken will go unseen, but that passengers will appreciate such comfortable surroundings within a modern facility”.
The Isle of Man welcomes around 318,000 visitors each year, with over 43,000 people making the journey for the annual TT Races at the beginning of June.