The renaissance of Merseyside, in the north-west of England, as a maritime centre is set for another boost — and for once, the term "renaissance" is more than just a colourful reference.
A new maritime training, innovation and business incubator is planned for the Wirral, across the River Mersey from Liverpool.
It will be housed in a renovated Victorian building that survived bombing in World War II and which is a remarkable copy of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, albeit in a slightly greyer climate.
