Liverpool Central Set for Major Makeover
Liverpool Central Station is set for a major redesign as part of a £5 billion plan to reshape a large area of the city centre. The station, which first opened in 1874 and handles around 14.8 million passengers a year, is expected to become a greener and better-connected transport gateway under plans revealed by the council.
The wider regeneration covers an 86-acre site, with London-based architecture firm Hawkins\Brown leading the vision. New renders show a redesigned station frontage, brighter interiors, larger windows and a glass roof bringing more natural light inside. Images of the planned central plaza also show open public space, planting and evening lighting around the station area.
What Could Change
The plans aim to link Liverpool Central more closely with Liverpool Lime Street, creating a stronger city-centre transport hub. Proposals include:
- A redesigned station entrance
- Brighter internal spaces
- New public areas and greenery
- Better links with Lime Street
- Possible underground connection
- New homes, shops and public spaces
The project could make central Liverpool easier to navigate for visitors arriving by rail. Better links between Liverpool Central, Lime Street, the Knowledge Quarter, the waterfront and Queen Square would help people reach museums, restaurants, bars, hotels and cultural venues with less backtracking. The idea is similar to how King’s Cross and St Pancras work together in London.
The strongest benefit would be simpler movement across the city centre, especially during short trips, events or weekend breaks. Liverpool Central is already a busy gateway, but the area around it does not always match that role. A cleaner, safer and better-connected station quarter would make arrivals smoother and give visitors a clearer first step into the city.