Liverpool vs Southampton

Well this sounds like a football fixture from years ago.  In fact port bosses at Liverpool docks have drawn up a £23m plan to upgrade their facility.

This will be £4m more than Southampton’s Ocean cruise terminal cost. It is still in the planning stage however ministers are discussing the proposal.  This would be a major coup for Liverpool and I can hear the rejoice in the air from passengers who live north of Manchester.

Southampton bosses thinks it is unfair as £21m of monies will be from public funding.

Because of the public subsidy, a restriction was imposed so Liverpool could only be a day stop, rather than launching its own cruises, to avoid an unfair advantage over privately funded Southampton.

The redevelopment plans would create a baggage and passenger handling facility and additional vehicle bridge at the cruise terminal.

Liverpool City Council would provide £10m towards the plan.

Southampton bosses are annoyed as it looks like Liverpool are getting financial help where the port of Southampton is privately owned.

Well lets see what happens.  The North of Britain is crying out for a cruise terminal which can cater for large cruise lines.  Lets see how this story unveils, and hopefully become a reallity.