Construction firm Graham wins £71m contract for infrastructure works at Central Docks in Liverpool Waters to support the delivery of 2,350 new homes and a new park. Tony McDonough reports
Peel Waters has awarded a £71m contract for infrastructure works at Central Docks in Liverpool Waters to Graham.
Scheduled to begin this autumn, the works at the huge brownfield site between Princes Dock and Everton FC’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, will include underground utilities, roads and public realm.
Once these works are complete it will pave the way for the delivery of up to 2,350 new homes across affordable, build-to-rent, build-to-sell and elderly living units.
Peel Waters says it is engaged in “advanced discussions” with several partners to develop plots within the mixed tenure neighbourhood, and will be seeking new partners for the other development plots.
As well as five new neighbourhoods, Central Docks will also include the 2.1-hectare Central Park. Hundreds of new trees will be planted within the park, as well as new sports, recreational, and play facilities for residents and visitors.
This £71m contract awarded to Graham is the largest portion of the £81.1m total project cost. It will be underpinned by £25.9n direct investment from Peel Waters, alongside a £55.2m contribution from Homes England.
Last year, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet agreed to accept the £55.2m Brownfield Infrastructure Land grant funding from Homes England and will act as the accountable body on behalf of Peel Waters.
James Whittaker, managing director of Peel Waters said: “The appointment of GRAHAM is a major step forward in turning our vision for Central Docks at Liverpool Waters into more of a reality.
“It means we are gearing up to break ground to provide much needed infrastructure to enable more development plots and housing to come forward.
“Peel Waters has worked with the contractor on several award-winning projects across our portfolio including Millers Quay across the Mersey at Wirral Waters and it is clear from the design process that all parties share our long-term vision.”
Liverpool Waters is a 30-year regeneration project spread across 30 acres. It already includes multiple apartment buildings, office blocks, hotels, restaurants, the cruise terminal and Isle of Man ferry terminal as well as Everton’s stadium.
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Alastair Lewis, contracts director at Graham, added: “This project will play a pivotal role in further regeneration of the docklands area, and we look forward to working with Peel Waters to transform this site into an iconic world heritage waterfront.”
Other firms working on the project include Walker Sime, Actua, Planit and Layer Studio, Curtins, Crookes Walker and Hannan – MEP / Utilities, Safer Sphere, Placemarque, Amion, Cushman & Wakefield, Brabners, Civic Engineers, DACI, Pegasus, Headland Archaeology, RS Security and Bate and Taylor.