Work on Liverpool's new £50 million (US$70 million) cruise terminal facility on the River Mersey could begin in October after formal planning approval was granted.
The two-storey terminal, which will be capable of handling turnarounds of more than 3,600 guests, will be developed near the existing floating berth at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed waterfront.
To be built on a suspended deck structure, together with a vehicular linkspan bridge and pedestrian bridge to connect the new terminal to the existing landing stage, the passenger and baggage facility will feature passport control, lounge, café, toilets, taxi rank and a vehicle pick-up point.
In March Liverpool City Council awarded the first stage of a two-stage design and build contract to UK construction company McLaughlin and Harvey.
The first stage will consist of supporting the council's appointed design team to finalise the design and construction method, including the controlled dismantling of the derelict Princess Jetty, which has been gifted to the city by Peel Land and Property.
They will also establish the final construction costs by inviting competitive sub-contract prices for each package of works before the second-stage main contract award.
Further planning applications could include supplementary projects with a new 200-room hotel and 1,700-space multi-storey car park.
