The Liverpool ferry terminal that the Manx taxpayer is funding cleared a big hurdle this week.

Planning approval was confirmed on Tuesday.

The terminal will be built at Princes Half-Tide Dock, 675 metres downriver of the current Pier Head facility.

It will sit within Peel Land and Property’s Liverpool Waters, a £5 billion regeneration for 60 hectares of the city’s north docks, including the development of residential, commercial and leisure facilities.

The development of the design involved consultation with Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Waters Conservation Board, Places Matter Design Review Panel and Peel Land and Property.

Contractor John Sisk and Sons Limited has been appointed to construct the facility, which is due to be completed by late 2020, following a full tender process.

Funding for the construction phase is subject to approval from Tynwald. The overall cost is forecast to be £31.3m.

The news has been welcomed by Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK, who said: ’Gaining planning consent is brilliant news, and the next step in delivering this vital project.

He added: ’With the promenade project now well under way and the Steam Packet purchased, this administration is proving it is getting things done for the long-term benefit of the Isle of Man. This is the first time that the Isle of Man Government has owned property in the UK so it really is a major step forward.’

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said: ’With the new Sea Services Agreement due to be finalised in June and planning approval for the new terminal now secure, this news will allow residents and businesses to make plans with confidence.

’The department has worked closely with the Isle of Man Steam Packet to deliver this project and this has helped strengthen an already solid working relationship.

’Importantly, the new terminal will enable the Isle of Man Government to have full control over its lifeline sea links to the UK.’

Vehicles and freight traffic will be served by a link road currently under construction and funded by Liverpool City Council.

Foot passengers will be able to access the terminal via a riverside footbridge, near to the planned Cruise Liner Terminal Hotel.

us and taxi facilities will be provided to the new site and will also be available across the footbridge, next to Alexandra Tower as part of the cruise liner scheme.

oe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, said: ’The Isle of Man and Liverpool have a historic relationship and this new ferry terminal will cement our strong links and forge even closer ties into the future.’