Larger ships could soon be cruising into Liverpool

The project will see a 350 metre (1,148ft) extension to Princes Dock, and will be able to accommodate some of the world's biggest liners.

The city council says an order needed to move a footbridge to allow the scheme to go ahead, has now been approved by the government.

The bridge will be moved 30 metres (98 ft) to allow for a vehicle bridge to be built at the dock.

It is hoped construction work will start in spring next year, and will take a year to complete.

'Very exciting'

Councillor Mike Storey, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: "We now have planning permission and conservation area consent, the Harbour Revision Order and the Department for Transport have approved the scheme in principle.

"We are still awaiting their full approval and some funding approvals but everything is on track for this very exciting scheme to start next spring.

"We can look forward to seeing more of the large ships visiting the Mersey on a regular basis."

The project partners include the city council, Mersey Dock and Harbour Company, Northwest Development Agency, Liverpool Vision, City Focus SRB and the Mersey Waterfront Regional Park initiative.