Labour mayor Steve Rotheram wants to redevelop the centre of Liverpool.

15:24, Mon, Dec 22, 2025 Updated: 15:25, Mon, Dec 22, 2025

A computer generated image showing a redeveloped Liverpool Central Station

Liverpool Central Station and its surrounding area would be transformed under the plan (Image: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority)

An underground tunnel linking two major railway stations forms part of £5billion plans to transform Liverpool city centre. Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said the local authority was looking for half the cost to be covered by the UK Government and the rest from other sources.

He told the Liverpool Echo the scheme could include a tunnel between Liverpool Central and Liverpool Lime Street stations, a distance of about 480 metres (1,580 ft). Mr Rotheram said: "It is a bit like Kings Cross and St Pancras in London, where they redesigned the whole area. That is what we want to do with the centre of Liverpool. We want to redesign it."

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Under the proposed scheme, new shops, public spaces and homes would be built, with a focus on retail and more people calling the city centre home.

Mr Rotheram said, "If we get it right, we could get about half of that money from the Treasury, and we will then find the rest ourselves."

The Labour major said recent changes in how the central government allocates funding would work in Liverpool's favour, with social value being more of a factor.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced changes to the so-called Green Book rules earlier this year.

A computer generated image showing the inside of a redeveloped Liverpool Central Station

The scheme would cost £5bn. (Image: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority)

Previously, decision-makers at the Treasury focused on a cost-benefit analysis, which prioritised getting the maximum economic return for every pound spent.

The Government's new approach includes reforms such as "place-based business cases", with a simpler Green Book overall.

Currently dubbed Central Liverpool, the proposed scheme would cover an 86 acre area around Liverpool Central Station.

While that station forms a major part of the vision for the area, Mr Rotheram said the scheme would also be about generating jobs and developing skills.

The scheme's backers aim to advance their plans next year, the Liverpool Echo reports.