Insider Media Limited

The ban on turnaround cruise journeys being made at Liverpool's cruise liner terminal looks set to be lifted, with cruises possibly starting in the city as early as this summer.

It comes after the council agreed to repay however much grant money the government requires to lift the ban on journeys starting and ending in the city.

Leader of Liverpool City Council Joe Anderson said that it will be the start of a "new era" for the city.

Councillor Anderson said: "It is my vision to grow the cruise industry for Liverpool to match the halcyon days of the past. We have been already talking to many cruise lines and could also see an Ocean Village liner using the terminal this summer.

"I have written to the shipping minister Mike Penning to confirm we will abide by whatever the independent panel rules we should repay."

Liverpool's cruise terminal was opened in October 2007 and built with the help of grants from the Northwest Regional Development Agency and the European Regional Development Fund.

As there was deemed to be potential for unfair competition with other UK ports, operations at the terminal were restricted to cruises calling at the city as part of a longer trip and currently do not allow for cruises to start and end in the city.

The council had offered to pay back £5.3m but this was rejected by the government at the end of January.

Shipping minister Mike Penning said the amount offered had been "insufficient to reflect the adverse impact on competition with other ports."

It is believed that as much as £9m could be paid back to the government. This will be paid in annual instalments.

The council is to now put in a planning application for a baggage and customs facility opposite the Royal Liver Building and will look to expand the terminal.

Councillor Anderson said: "I expect Liverpool to be so popular for turnarounds we will be developing a second cruise terminal with Peel in its Liverpool Waters plans."