Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and Secretary of State for Transport Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP came together at Liverpool Lime Street station today to sign a new agreement strengthening their commitment to deliver Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).

The compact sets out further work to develop a new Liverpool to Manchester line – as part of a phased programme to improve rail connections across key northern corridors.

With £1.1bn confirmed for development work and a £45bn overall funding cap, the compact provides the certainty needed to accelerate progress and bring earlier benefits to passengers and businesses.

The agreement also confirms continued joint working on route options for the new Liverpool to Manchester line, potential plans for a new Gateway station, and integration with Liverpool Central as the NPR programme moves forward.

The signing marks a major step towards delivering a modern, reliable rail network for the North.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:

“Today, I’ve strengthened this Government’s clear and unwavering commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail by signing an agreement with Mayor Rotheram on the next steps for transforming connectivity in the Liverpool City Region.

“With a new line between Liverpool and Manchester at the heart of our plans to deliver more frequent, reliable services to Manchester, Manchester Airport, Warrington and beyond, we’re ensuring the benefits are felt across the city by integrating NPR with major city-centre regeneration, including improvements around Liverpool Central and Liverpool Lime Street stations. By providing early clarity on scope and phasing, we are giving the region the certainty it needs to plan ahead and unlock the full economic and social benefits for its people.

“Together, we are getting on with the job to deliver the modern transport network the North has deserved for so long.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

“Signing an agreement on the future of Northern Powerhouse Rail is about turning words into action.

“After more than a decade of delay and broken promises, we finally have a government backing proposals in full and a framework to deliver it.

“Local leaders are ready, the Liverpool City Region is ready, and the whole North is ready, pulling in the same direction. Now we can get on with preparation and delivery of a rail network that matches the ambition of our people and stimulates growth in our economy.”