THE Liverpool to Manchester Railway has been proposed as a United Nations World Heritage site.
The line, opened 1830, heralded the beginning of the railway age and saw the first trials of Stephenson’s Rocket.
If it is successful, it will join the city’s waterfront on the list of some of the most important cultural sites in the world.
Now, councillors are calling on the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to award the line the accolade and the city council has agreed to contact the other local authorities through which the line passes to muster their support.
Cllr Nick Small said St Helens, Salford and Manchester have all given positive responses so far. MEP Arlene McCarthy has offered her support.
He added: “It was on this line that the Rainhill Trials were organised and the line has many noteworthy features including the first tunnels, viaducts and cuttings, such as those at Olive Mount and Edge Hill.
“We believe that listing the line as a UNESCO World Heritage Site may provide many benefits and allow Liverpool and the other areas through which the line runs to generate additional tourist revenue.”
The line also saw the death of Tory MP William Huskisson, who was hit by Stephenson’s Rocket in the 1830 trials.
Nonetheless, rail went on to conquer the world.
Cllr Small added: “We hope very much that the line will be approved as a World Heritage site in recognition of its invaluable contribution to world science and industry.
A World Heritage site is defined as an “historic monument, group of buildings or site which is of outstanding universal value to the international community”.