The name for a Merseyrail station to be built in the Baltic Triangle area of Liverpool more than a century after the original closed, has been revealed.
Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram confirmed that after a public vote, consisting of more than 1,000 submissions, the new station to be built on the site of the former St James’ stop will be known as Liverpool Baltic. The decision to change the name was taken to avoid confusion with the existing James Street station in Liverpool city centre.
It is expected to open in 2025, subject to funding being secured for the construction stage. The scheme is currently in the design development stage and land has already been purchased to safeguard the site of the planned station ticket office building.
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Liverpool Baltic proved to be the overwhelming winner among the public vote, receiving 78% approval. Liverpool Parliament Street was the second favourite with 15% and 7% of the vote went to Liverpool Riverside after four weeks of open selection.
Opening a station on the St James site was a pledge put forward by Mayor Rotheram. The original station opened in 1874 and was named after a nearby parish church. It closed during the First World War as a cost-cutting measure but never re-opened.
The station would be located between Liverpool Central and Brunswick Station on the Northern Line and will include passenger toilets, a cycle hub, step-free access to and between both platforms and a passenger drop-off area outside. The shortlist of names was produced after initial discussions between the main partners on the scheme - Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Network Rail, Merseyrail and Liverpool City Council.
Mayor Rotheram said: "The Baltic Triangle has undergone a true renaissance over the last few years, transforming itself from a forgotten industrial area into a vibrant, creative and thriving place to live, work and socialise. The station’s name is a testament to that success – and will unlock a host of new opportunities for the people and businesses based there, boost footfall, and improve connectivity to the rest of the city region.
“Liverpool Baltic is a great choice and reflects the modern character of the station’s home, which has become one of our region’s greatest transformation stories in recent years.” Mayor Rotheram added the new station, coupled with the Headbolt Lane development in Kirkby, would mark the first step of an expansion of the local rail network and a London-style connected public transport system.
Cllr Sarah Doyle, Liverpool Council cabinet member for Development and Economy, added that the name of the station “does what it says on the tin” and would “further cement the Baltic Triangle’s identity throughout the city region.” She said: “This new station will also further help drive the economic growth of this part of the city centre and act as a vital service for the long-standing residential community.
“Its development will also tie in nicely with the city council’s plans to improve the public realm in the area for both residents and visitors alike. The next few years should define the future of the Baltic Triangle for decades to come and it’s exciting to see this story unfold.”
Andy Heath, Managing Director of Merseyrail, said it was “fantastic” that residents had engaged with the scheme. He added: “We look forward to welcoming the first passengers to Liverpool Baltic station once complete and to realising the undoubted benefits it will bring to our community.”
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