Liverpool is a weird place right now. Not weird in a bad way—just that feeling when you're caught between what was and what’s coming next. Honestly, if you haven't been down to the waterfront in the last few weeks, you'd hardly recognize the pace of change. Everyone is talking about the latest news in Liverpool, but usually, it's just the same old surface-level chatter about football or the weather.
There's actually a massive shift happening under the hood of the city. We’re talking billion-pound rail links, a literal "new" Mersey ferry (the first in 60 years!), and a football club that's currently riding an 11-game unbeaten streak while somehow still feeling like it’s in crisis mode.
It’s a lot to keep track of.
The Northern Powerhouse Rail: More Than Just a Fast Train
You’ve probably heard the term "Northern Powerhouse" thrown around so much it’s started to lose all meaning. Basically, it was a buzzword that didn't do much. But as of January 13, 2026, the government finally put its money where its mouth is with a £1.1 billion commitment to the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).
This isn't just about shaving twenty minutes off a trip to Manchester. It’s about the fact that Liverpool has been historically "plugged in" poorly to the rest of the North. The plan is to drop travel times between Liverpool and Manchester from nearly an hour to just 30 minutes.
Think about that. You could live in the Baltic Triangle and work in Deansgate without it feeling like a soul-crushing trek.
But there’s a catch. Or at least, a point of friction. The project involves massive underground plans for Manchester Piccadilly, which sounds great on paper but has local planners in a bit of a tizzy over the logistics. For us in Liverpool, the focus is on the new route via Warrington and Manchester Airport. It’s the backbone of a 15-year transport plan that includes the "Tap and Go" smart ticketing system finally rolling out across Merseyrail this year. No more fumbling for paper tickets at Central Station.
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Liverpool FC: The Paradox of an 11-Game Unbeaten Run
If you look at the table, things look fine. Better than fine, really. Liverpool is 11 games unbeaten. Yet, if you listen to Andy Robertson or Arne Slot lately, you’d think they were in a relegation scrap.
The mood is... tense.
After the FA Cup win against Barnsley on January 12, Robertson was pretty blunt. He called out Dominik Szoboszlai for a back-heel mistake that he labeled "unacceptable." It’s that high-standard, no-nonsense culture that defines the club, but it also reflects a deeper anxiety about the Premier League title race.
The Right-Back Crisis
The latest news in Liverpool sports circles is dominated by Conor Bradley’s injury. It’s a "big blow," according to Slot. With Trent Alexander-Arnold also facing his own issues, the defensive depth is being tested to its absolute limit.
- The internal solution: Joe Gomez is stepping in, but we've seen Szoboszlai being shoehorned into a right-back role—a move Slot admitted he "doesn't like."
- The transfer stance: Despite the window being open, the club isn't planning a permanent signing to cover Bradley. They’re looking for a temporary fix or, more likely, just hoping the academy kids like Rio Ngumoha can bridge the gap.
Speaking of transfers, the January 2026 window has been relatively quiet for the Reds so far, barring the recall of Owen Beck from Derby County.
The Waterfront's Massive Face-Lift
If you've walked past the Bramley-Moore Dock lately, you know the stadium is the big shiny object. But the real 2026 story is the Royal Daffodil.
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This is the first new Mersey Ferry in over six decades.
It’s currently in its final "fitting out" stages at Cammell Laird. It’s not just a boat; it’s a £26 million bet on tourism and commuting. It’s designed to be a "multi-purpose" vessel, which is fancy talk for "we want it to host weddings and corporate gigs while also getting people to Birkenhead on time."
Regeneration Projects to Watch
The city is currently a maze of orange barriers, but there’s a method to the madness.
- The Littlewoods Building: That iconic, burnt-out shell on Edge Lane? It’s finally becoming a £70m film and TV hub. Two massive 20,000 sq ft studios are being built.
- Central Docks: We’re seeing the birth of a new neighborhood. 2,000 homes and a five-acre "Central Park" (not that one) are starting to take shape.
- The Baltic Station: Work is progressing on the new station that will finally serve the city's coolest district properly.
Why Local Businesses Are Nervous (But Hopeful)
It’s not all sunshine and new ferries. The Liverpool Chamber recently released data showing that business confidence is at its lowest level in three years.
Only about 46% of firms expect their turnover to increase this year.
Why? It’s the "triple threat": high tax concerns, falling investment, and the pressure to raise prices. Hospitality and retail are feeling it the most. You’ve probably noticed your favorite coffee shop or pub hiking prices by 50p or a pound. They aren't being greedy; they're just trying to survive the rise in Employer National Insurance contributions.
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However, there’s a weirdly optimistic flip side. Liverpool is positioning itself as a hub for "AI for Good." The City Region is actively hunting for AI leaders to drive medical research and school learning. It’s a bit "Blade Runner," but it’s where the high-paying jobs are going to come from.
Culture: What’s Actually Happening This Month?
If you're looking for something to do that doesn't involve staring at construction sites, January is surprisingly busy.
- Mary Poppins at the Empire: It’s running until January 31. It’s the massive Cameron Mackintosh production, and honestly, the special effects of her flying over the audience are still pretty cool, even if you've seen it before.
- The Jury Experience: This is at the Playhouse. It’s immersive theatre where you actually sit in a courtroom and decide the verdict. Kinda stressful, but very Liverpool.
- The Smiths' Mike Joyce: He’s at Future Yard on Jan 15 talking about his memoir. A must for the old-school indie crowd.
What You Should Actually Do With This Information
Keeping up with the latest news in Liverpool shouldn't just be about doom-scrolling.
First, if you're a commuter, get on the "Tap and Go" pilot for Merseyrail. It saves money and time. You can sign up via the Merseyrail website—they’re looking for more people on the Headbolt Lane line to test the tech before the full 2026 rollout.
Second, if you're in the market for a job or a career change, look toward the "screen sector." With the Littlewoods studios and the "Depot" expansion, Liverpool is becoming the "Hollywood of the North" for real this time. There are massive training partnerships opening up right now for construction and production roles.
Lastly, keep an eye on the Wirral. With the "Wirral Waters" project delivering 500 apartments at Miller’s Quay and more on the way, the balance of the city region is shifting. The "Left Bank" isn't just a marketing slogan anymore; it’s where the affordable housing is actually landing.
Liverpool in 2026 is a city under construction—literally and metaphorically. It’s messy, the traffic is a nightmare near the docks, and the football team is grumpy despite winning. But the bones of a much more connected, modern city are finally being laid down.
Your Next Steps
- Check your commute: Visit the Merseyrail site to see if your route is eligible for the new contactless pilot.
- Visit the Waterfront: Head down to see the progress on the Royal Daffodil at Cammell Laird; it’s a piece of maritime history in the making.
- Support Local: Given the Chamber of Commerce's report on hospitality, maybe skip the chain restaurant this weekend and hit up one of the independents in the Baltic or Ropewalks.