FERRIES could return to a major Wirral terminal in a little over a year’s time as a contractor is appointed to begin revamp work.

The last ferry crossing into Woodside Ferry Terminal docked in October 2022 as the landing stage closed ahead of a massive investment into the public realm. With plans to upgrade the link span bridge and landing stage, Merseytravel bosses have indicated when passengers can expect to use the point again.

Following a procurement exercise undertaken last September, officials have confirmed to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority transport committee a contractor is now in place to get work underway with a view to welcoming ferries back in March next year.

Last month, Wirral Council unveiled its proposed masterplan for the area around the Woodside Ferry Terminal, described as “one of the best development sites on the Wirral, if not Merseyside,” adding: “This is Brooklyn to the New York skyline – the great place to live with an amazing view, but so much more.” This includes a major revamp of the terminal, announced by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram in 2021.

According to committee documents, work had been expected to be complete during the summer of 2025 but Gary Evans, Merseytravel assistant director of customer delivery, said with the appointment of ground teams, this could potentially be brought forward. He said: “I’m pleased to say a contractor has been appointed to progress those works and we’ve a target date for a start on site in the early part of the next financial year, with a vision for a completion of March 2025.

“I would stress that we await plans from Wirral Council around the wider regeneration and it would not be the best idea for us to open a brand new linkspan bridge and landing stage if we’re bringing passengers straight onto a building site.”

The renewal of the landing stage and bridge is supported by Wirral Council’s successful Levelling Up fund bid, with documents indicating the project has progressed well in the last year. This includes a bid by Big Heritage CIC for a new U-Boat Story museum on the current site in Birkenhead.

The report said a range of feasibility studies were undertaken associated with options to both renew and refurbish the existing structures, looking to maximise the impact of the Levelling Up Funding. When the scheme was first announced almost three years ago, Mayor Rotheram said it would “help contribute to the wider renaissance that we’re seeing in Birkenhead.”