The new Princes Half-Tide Dock will have bus routes within walking distance following a commitment from Liverpool City Council.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said in a Tynwald written answer that buses would stop about 80m away from the new terminal upon its completion.

In his response to Juan Watterson SHK, Mr Harmer said: ’The department was given a commitment by Liverpool City Council that it would ensure that passengers using the ferry terminal will be provided with bus services.

’There are already a number of city centre bus routes in the vicinity of the proposed site.

’Currently, bus services operate along Waterloo Road with a bus stop located within 80 metres of the site access junction.

’Bus services are also available on the nearby Great Howard Street, which offer a wider range of connections.’

He added that while much of the area is currently unused, the level of buses serving it was ’reflective of the current demand’.

Mr Harmer said that once the new terminal is open, and with the development of the cruise terminal and new hotels proposed, bus frequency in the area will improve with a new bus stop at Alexandra Tower, only 80 metres from the footpath linking it to the terminal.

He added: ’Obviously, as development progresses in the area, with the delivery of the Liverpool Waters Masterplan and Liverpool Cruise Terminal, demand for public transport will increase.

’New and additional services will therefore become economically viable to operators.’

Mr Harmer also confirmed that a right of access across the footbridge linking the Dock Road with Princes Dock has been agreed as part of the lease with Peel Land and Property.

He added: ’The bridge will be refurbished at Peel’s expense and will be ready for the opening of the new facilities.’