Plans have been revealed for the area surrounding Liverpool Central station to undergo a major transformation.

Welcoming over 14.8 million passengers a year, Liverpool Central is the city’s busiest transport gateway and the primary hub for the regional Merseyrail network.

To sustain a long-term vision for Liverpool Central, Liverpool City Council has announced ambitious plans to revamp the space around the station through a specialist design team.

Led by architects Hawkins\Brown, the team will develop a framework outlining how land is used, what public spaces will look like, and how people and vehicles move through the area.

This 86-acre project aims to create a transport hub that will enhance connectivity, drive regeneration, and unlock economic growth in Liverpool and the wider region.

The proposed design sees the station “seamlessly integrate” with Liverpool Lime Street to connect Merseyrail services with national rail services, in a similar way that King’s Cross and St Pancras operate together in London.

In December, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority alluded to a potential plan that would see an underground tunnel between the two major rail stations as part of a city centre revamp.

The connection of the stations would boost links to the Knowledge Quarter, Queen Square, and the city’s waterfront from Liverpool Central.

Liverpool Central station was chosen last year as a pilot project for the central government’s reformed “Green Book” appraisal process, which could unlock a £5bn transformation of the station and surrounding area.

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram secured £95m from the government in March to support his plans for major regeneration projects in the city, including Liverpool Central.

Mr Rotheram said that “Liverpool Central is one of the busiest and most important transport gateways in the country – and the area around it should match the ambition of the city it serves”.

He added: “This is a chance for us to think bigger about the future of one of the key front doors to Liverpool – creating a greener, safer and better connected gateway that works for residents, businesses and the millions of people who pass through it every year.

“Working with Liverpool City Council and partners, we can make sure this becomes more than a transport upgrade – but a catalyst for wider regeneration, investment and opportunity in the heart of the city.”

The framework will be led by Liverpool City Council, working with Platform4, Network Rail’s property development company and Network Rail as a joint client, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and in collaboration with key partners, landowners and stakeholders.

The authorities aim to submit a business case for the project to the government this summer.

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