City ready for the big ships

Aug 28 2007 by Larry Neild, Liverpool Daily Post

City ready for the big ships

LIVERPOOL’S cruise liner terminal is finally in place, paving the way for a return of the ocean-going cruise liners to the world-famous waterfront.

The four sections – spanning almost 1,000ft – have already been attached to huge concrete pillars embedded into the river bed.

The race is now on to ensure the stage is ready for use before September 21 when the QE2 is due to arrive in the river.

A large access bridge, currently being constructed close to the Royal Liver Building, will have to be swung into place.

It will enable coaches, cars and heavy vehicles to drive on to the stage.

A small pedestrian bridge will also link the stage to Princes Parade. The terminal should have been in place in June, but the worst summer weather on record delayed the plans.

It has led to a number of ships cancelling expected visits to the new stage. The Royal Navy has already announced that the aircraft carrier Ark Royal, due on September 14, has called off a proposed three day visit.

The RN was worried that the facility would not be completed and tested in time for the arrival of the flagship war vessel. Last night the council’s regeneration executive member, Cllr Mike Storey, welcomed the arrival of the terminal.

He said: “I am delighted it is fully in place and I look forward to it being available for use in the near future.

“It will be an added attraction along our stunning waterfront.”

The terminal had been towed to Wirral’s Cammell Laird yard for extra checks, heightening fears all was not well with the project.

But contractor Balfour Beatty has successfully made its deadline of September 4 for having the landing stage in place.

larryneild