News reports located on this page = 2.

Liverpool ONE gets set for a sizzling summer of sporting family fun

FAMILIES of all ages will have the chance to enjoy a summer of sport and music as Liverpool ONE launches its exciting programme of events. From impromptu performances during the much loved Tickle the Ivories piano festival, to the buzz of the Vitality Netball World Cup, the retail and leisure destination has a show stopping schedule lined up.

As the Netball World Cup's official Fan Park, Chavasse Park will give netball fans from across the globe the chance to cheer on their teams when 16 countries compete between 12 July and 21 July 2019. A giant screen will be installed, with appearances from international players and talks from inspirational sporting women taking place.

Untapped musical talent will take centre stage as Tickle the Ivories returns for its 9th year. The free event, which runs until 8 September 2019, gives visitors of all ages and abilities the chance to showcase their talents on 6 pianos located across Liverpool ONE.

Donna Howitt, Marketing Director at Liverpool ONE, said:- "This is an incredibly exciting summer for us and we cannot wait to unveil everything we have in store for families of all ages. Netball is 1 of the UK's fastest growing team sports, so it's no surprise that tickets for the tournament have almost sold out. The atmosphere is really starting to build and we're looking forward to welcoming netball fans from around the world to soak it all up at Chavasse Park."

Running throughout the six-week school summer holidays, and launching immediately after the Netball World Cup; will be Liverpool ONE's Summer of Champions programme, featuring a fun-filled mix of workshops and appearances from key sporting figures, such as Olympic athletes Anyika Onuora and Kelly Massey, professional boxer Natasha Jonas and the fastest single leg amputee Andy Grant.

Visitors will also have the chance to channel their inner champion, as Chavasse Park is transformed into a hub of sports, with free to play netball, athletics, rugby, tennis, boccia and football on offer, along with a special running track, winner podiums and a long jump area. And, as part of it ongoing commitment to grassroots sports, Liverpool ONE will also be offering local clubs the chance to win ₤1,000 towards their costs.

Donna added:- "Summer of Champions is all about encouraging as many people as possible to be active, get outdoors and explore something new. Our schedule of events includes workshops and the chance to meet some truly inspirational people who are living proof that determination and dedication can result in amazing success. We're keen to support the next generation of sporting stars, so we're thrilled to be able to offer a significant pot of money to a variety of sporting clubs from across the Region, hopefully making a real difference to their future and, most importantly, their talented members."

For further information about the Summer of Champions and how to enter the competition, visit:- Liverpool-ONE.Com.

Ainsdale Train Station wins prestigious sustainability award

THE newly refurbished Ainsdale Station on Merseyrail's Southport line has won a prestigious sustainability award a year after it opened its doors to the public. Ainsdale is the most environmentally friendly on the network after extensive renovations, and has gained an:- 'Excellent' rating from CEEQUAL; Civil Engineering Environmental Quality Assessment and Award Scheme; in recognition of its green credentials.

The previous booking office was demolished to make way for a new building, complete with solar panels, low energy LED lighting with smart controls and rainwater harvesting tanks to serve the toilet facilities. Passengers now also enjoy a redeveloped car park, modern and bright booking office, improved waiting facilities and customer information screens with state of the art equipment.

Funding came from Network Rail's maintenance budget and National Station Improvement Scheme, and Merseytravel also contributed with funding for customer enhancements. The certificate was presented to Merseyrail, architects Owen Ellis, principal contractors Morgan Sindall, Network Rail and Merseytravel.

Andy Heath, Managing Director at Merseyrail said:- "Ainsdale Station has been a collaborative effort between Merseyrail, Merseytravel, Network Rail and the Department for Transport, and the final product is something we can all be really proud of.  It represents the best in being environmentally friendly and provides our passengers at the Station with better technology, facilities and an overall improved experience. Merseyrail have taken significant steps in recent years, and by embracing the CEEQUAL process for our significant schemes and the achievement of our Excellent rating for Ainsdale we are continuing to lead the way in being environmentally friendly."

Cllr Liam Robinson, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Portfolio Holder, said:- "These new facilities have been of huge benefit to the community and with the green technology that has been incorporated, are a great representation of the forward thinking that is taking place across the Merseyrail Network. We have further ambitions for improving the City Region Rail Network over the coming years and will continue to do so with the plans we have set out in our Long Term Rail Strategy."

David Sides, Route Asset Manager at Network Rail, said:- "The newly revamped Ainsdale Station has provided passengers with a better, more modern space and created a more economically friendly and sustainable Station that the Liverpool City Region can be proud of. Our platform upgrades; completed in February 2019; have also prepared the Station for the arrival of new trains and their sliding step, which will provide level access for all passengers on and off the train.  It's been fantastic to work with Merseyrail and Merseytravel to make this happen and is another great example of the Great North Rail Project in action."

Funding for the Station redevelopment came from the National Station Improvement Programme (NSIP) and further contributions from Merseytravel and Merseyrail.

The Station is part of several significant developments on the Merseyrail Network, including the opening of the new Maghull North Station and the introduction of new state of the art trains from 2020.