Monday 9 August 2010

Boat car for Wirral Waters?

The LTT has begun discussions with Merseytravel concerning the possible loan of preserved Open Boat tram 605 for use on the Birkenhead tramway, which Merseytravel will takeover from Wirral Borough Council during September.

A significant expansion of the tramway is envisaged as part of the Wirral Waters regeneration project that is expected to see the a heritage themed line running through the heart of the project as a commercial tramway. Wirral Waters is one half of Peel Waters; two complimentary and balanced waterside projects on either side of the River Mersey.

Wirral Waters will transform the derelict docks in Birkenhead into a world class waterfront with mixed residential, employment and leisure amenities. Merseytravel are examining options for DDA-compliant tramcars that will offer a low-cost alternative to new build and compliment the tourism opportunities provided by the regeneration project. Planning permission for the Wirral Waters development, the largest regeneration project in the UK, was approved during the first week of August 2010