Liverpool City Region Freeport
The Liverpool City Region Freeport is a multi-modal Freeport driving growth in the UK’s advanced manufacturing, biomanufacturing, logistics, and low carbon industries.
Liverpool, as the country’s leading transatlantic port, is a prime Freeport location. It handles 45% of the UK’s trade from the United States and is the UK’s biggest western facing port. The Freeport sites, which include several existing rail terminals and water-accessible locations, are located within areas of logistics and manufacturing capability. The Freeport will take in a 45-kilometre diameter from the western point of Wirral Waters to the eastern point of Port Salford.
The Liverpool City Region Freeport area includes 3 tax sites located at:
- Parkside, St Helens
- 3MG, Widnes
- Wirral Waters
Investment type:
Freeports
Sector:
(Technology, Creative industries, Biopharmaceuticals, Marine)
Sector and market opportunity
The offer will focus on rebuilding global trade connectivity, starting innovative projects focussed on decarbonising road freight logistics and using these projects to drive inward investment across the region.
Growth prospects
The Freeport will develop as a globally significant cluster of port, manufacturing, logistics and innovation activity, making a significant contribution in rebalancing UK freight and logistics.
Companies can support the enablement of national and local ambitions for net zero through the Freeport’s links to low carbon energy industries.
Location
Liverpool City Region port provides an unparalleled gateway for trade connecting businesses across the UK, Europe, and beyond. Parkside, St Helens is the largest strategic employment site in the city region. It is located in St Helens close to the M6 and M62. The site includes the former Parkside Colliery. It will attract advanced manufacturing and logistics businesses.
3MG, Widnes, offers direct connections to the UK motorway network and rail access from the West Coast Main Line. 3MG is already involved in the hydrogen economy supporting capital investment in low carbon fuels and infrastructure.
Wirral Waters is located around the Birkenhead Docks. It has port connectivity, direct access to the M53 motorway and is located within the Mersey Waters Enterprise Zone. It comprises significant areas of dockside land capable of attracting a range of port-centric businesses, advanced manufacturing, innovation and research and development activities.
Connectivity
Liverpool City Region’s Freeport offers an integrated cluster of logistics assets and expertise to deliver faster, greener global market access. Extensive freight and logistics facilities support the import and export of goods to and from all major global markets.
There are 200+ flight destinations from 2 major airports within a 45-minute drive, and extensive freight and logistics facilities to support the import and export of goods to and from all major global markets.
There are 10 motorways within 10 miles, and 10 national rail-linked terminals, with only a 2-hour journey time to London.
Local talent and skills
There are more than 19,000 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students, and 19,000+ graduates in the Liverpool City Region.
Currently, there are 49,000+ people working in STEM roles and 60,000+ in skilled trades.
Region Spotlight
North of England
The North of England is recognised as a global centre for creativity and design and attracts thriving international investment. This heritage of expertise and manufacturing know-how is well established on the world stage, and historically gave birth to the Industrial Revolution.
National government support
As specially designed areas with beneficial economic regulations, Freeports can help you achieve sustained growth, and may be able to save you time and money through:
- Stamp Duty Land Tax relief
- enhanced capital allowances for investment in plant and machinery and structures and buildings
- 5 years of business rates relief
- employer National Insurance contributions relief
- deferrals and exemptions from duty
- supportive local planning environments with constructive public-private partnerships
Other opportunities
Speak to us
The government is identifying new projects across the whole of the UK. Investors who are interested in our projects can find out more by contacting us.
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