THE world's largest aquarium could make a shock comeback to Liverpool - 18 months after it was lost to the south east.
City officials have reopened talks with Nirah, the organisation planning to build a £375m sanctuary for endangered freshwater species.
Early last year, Nirah (The National Institute for Research into Aquatic Habitats) chose a Bedfordshire clay pit ahead of Central Docks as the proposed site for the Eden Project-style tourist attraction.
Nirah had approached Liverpool first but was told by then chief executive Sir David Henshaw that there was no room in the city and to go to Wirral instead.
The council changed its mind when the project was scaled down in size, but Bedfordshire was eventually chosen because of its proximity to London and three universities.
Nirah was accused of "southern bias" by then council leader Mike Storey when rejecting the city as a potential home for the futuristic complex.
But the project has stalled after a series of rows between Bedfordshire county council and Nirah.
Liverpool Land Development Company (LLDC) has now stepped in and held talks with Nirah about the prospect of coming to Liverpool.
It is unclear which site is being considered, but the aquarium, which would house fish, amphibians and reptiles from across the world, would need as much space as the 70-acre Central Docks.
LLDC today declined to comment, but council leader Warren Bradley said: "I am meeting with LLDC this week to discuss this issue."
Council Labour leader Joe Anderson said: "The council must pull out all the stops and set out exactly how it can help Nirah move to Liverpool.
"We should go out of our way to make Nirah feel wanted."
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