09/07/2008 02:25:00
A strategy to revamp Liverpool's port and turn the city into an international gateway have been revealed.
The Mersey Partnership (TMP) has set out a plan to transform the Liverpool city region into a world-class port similar to Dubai or Singapore, according to the BBC.
The regeneration of the area would involve improving the existing port, revamping the waterfront and improving road rail and air links, the group suggests.
A prospectus drawn up by TMP will be distributed to all partners and interested parties in the public sector. It indicates the necessity of a combined effort to make the scheme a reality and suggests that councils, local businesses and travel agencies would need to work together to bring about the changes.
According to the BBC, Lorraine Rogers, chief executive of TMP, said:
"This prospectus outlines the capabilities that we currently possess, and highlights the challenges we face in delivering the community's vision.
"We believe this vision and the economic benefits it can create, is well within our reach."
Last year saw the completion of a new £19 million cruise liner terminal on Liverpool's waterfront and the Merseyside port is the UK's leading gateway for the export of recycled metal, imports of grain and animal feed and the transportation of freight between Britain and Ireland.
Liverpool is home to the start of the well-loved Tall Ships' Races and parts of Liverpool's port have also been awarded World Heritage Site status.
In April Liverpool revealed a 30 per cent rise in visitors following a substantial investment in its Capital of Culture festivities, which will continue throughout the year.