It was a spectacular sight on the River Mersey this week as Woodside Ferry Terminal’s landing stage and linkspan bridge were removed after almost 40 years of service.

Onlookers saw the first stage of this complex engineering work take place this week as the existing 39-year-old landing stage, 110-tonne linkspan bridge and 45 tonne connecting boom were removed over two days, part of a wider project to regenerate the Ferry services for future generations.

Stunning images captured the moment both structures were taken away to be recycled. The landing stage is set to be used as a barge, whilst the linkspan bridge and boom will be used as scrap metal. Some elements, including the gangways and Royal Crest, are being retained for heritage use.

They will be replaced with a new linkspan bridge and landing stage with modern passenger waiting facilities, which are currently under construction.

The £9m plus investment will help secure the long-term viability of the important cultural asset as part of a major regeneration project to transform the area into a ‘vibrant and unique waterfront destination’ led by Wirral Council and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

The regeneration scheme is being made possible by Levelling Up funding from Wirral Council, which this year consulted on a Masterplan to breathe new life into the area at the heart of which sits the £20m plus Woodside infrastructure and active travel project to connect the Woodside Waterfront with Birkenhead town centre.

The Masterplan proposals include 1,700 homes, two new hotels, major leisure facilities and an outside event space wrapping around the Ferry Terminal building.

Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:

“It was a really spectacular sight this week to see the removal of the landing stage and linkspan bridge at Woodside for recycling.

“The formidable structures have served us well over the last four decades, but it’s important for us to look to the future and fit in with the wider improvements taking place in the Woodside area.

“We’re really pleased to be playing our part alongside Wirral Council in the transformative regeneration that will be taking place over the next few years.

“Alongside our plans for a new ferry, these works highlight our commitment to the Mersey Ferries and their importance as a much-beloved cultural asset for our city region.”

Cllr Paul Stuart, Leader of Wirral Council, said:

“Witnessing the removal of the landing stage and linkspan bridge at Woodside for recycling marks a significant milestone in our plans for the revamped ferry terminal and the wider regeneration of the Woodside area.

Our investment in creating a modern terminal for Mersey Ferries at Woodside is a testament to the importance of our iconic ferry services and the potential of this waterfront location. It’s exciting to see the Woodside vision becoming one step closer to reality.”

The new landing stage and linkspan bridge is due for completion in summer 2025 and follows the multi-million-pound refurbishment of Seacombe Ferry Terminal, which reopened in 2022.

The upgraded terminals will be ready to welcome the new £26m Mersey Ferry announced by Mayor Rotheram last year and due to be launched by the summer of 2026.