Larry Neild: A historical link

Feb 11 2008 by Larry Neild, Liverpool Daily Post

ONCE upon a time – well, not that long ago, actually – a historic concordat was signed. Its aim was to proclaim to the world that Liverpool and its slightly smaller rival, Manchester, were hitherto to be known as kissing cousins.

The relationship between the two big hubs at either end of the East Lancashire Road has always been arm’s length, with Liverpool accused of being envious, jealous even, of its brash cousin.

In the run-up to the Manchester Commonwealth Games, Liverpool was promised some of the action, though in the event it never happened.

But all of that was destined to change with the new “best friends” agreement, signed by the leading lights from both cities.

I can’t think of many occasions when the concordat has lived up to its expectations and if anything there is a gentleman’s agreement to co-exist.

Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture presents the perfect opportunity to cement that new bond of friendship.

More importantly than the M62 and the East Lancs, the cities are linked by something unique, the world’s first railway.

Much of the infrastructure designed and constructed in the days of Queen Victoria remains intact along the great Manchester-Liverpool railway.

So why not celebrate the historic link by joining forces to win World Heritage Status for the railway, along with the stations, bridges and other paraphernalia along the 30--odd mile route?

As well as preserving an important piece of historic infrastructure, it would give Liverpool and Manchester the chance to join forces in 08 year, demonstrating the concordat is alive and kicking.

Rail travel will play an increasingly important role in people movement of the future, as people are forced to give up their cars.

It will put pressure on the railway infrastructure to adopt to the new legion of rail commuters. That makes it all the more important to preserve the work of the great 19th- century railway engineers. Included in the World Heritage Site would be Rainhill, site of the famous Rocket Trials, Edge Hill station – a hidden gem – and of course the magnificent Lime Street Station.

Liverpool has already demonstrated that its historic waterfront is worthy of World Heritage Status, and an extension to this to embrace the rail link would be one of the worthy legacies of 08. More importantly, an application to Unesco would see Liverpool and Manchester working hand-in-hand to win the coveted prize.

Many of the buildings along the railroad remain intact, and, while some are out of use, they are capable of renovation. Just as WHS status on the waterfront has not, sadly some feel, wrapped the Pier Head in aspic, world status for the railway would not ignore the fact it remains a busy workhorse of a transport system. In a way, the fact that a link created in the magnificent age of steam is still going strong adds to its claim to fame as a site worthy of world recognition.