Senior councillors in Liverpool agree to partnership with Combined Authority on new Mayoral Development Corporation that will seek to accelerate billions of pounds of new development. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool City Council’s cabinet has agreed to work with the city region Combined Authority on a new Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).
First revealed in early December, the MDC will look to accelerate billions of pounds of new development across 174 hectares of land close to Liverpool waterfront. This would include both residential and commercial schemes.
It is similar to the Merseyside Development Corporation established by Tory ‘Minister for Merseyside’ Lord Heseltine in 1981 following the Toxteth riots. It led to projects such as the renaissance of the Royal Albert Dock.
Cabinet approval is a critical step setting up the MDC which is likely to be up and running in 12 months. The MDC will operate under a bespoke governance that ensures close collaboration between the council and Combined Authority.
It will also work with national agencies and the private sector. The proposed development zone spans key sites along the North Docks, aiming to unlock investment, create jobs, and revitalise underused land.
By taking on new powers to coordinate development, including for accelerated planning and land assembly, the MDC will enable a streamlined and transparent approach to statutory planning decisions.
Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “Following the announcement earlier this month of the intention to create an MDC, the decision by cabinet is a historic moment for the North Docks and sounds the start of an incredibly exciting and positive future for this part of our city.
“Crucially, the presence of Everton Football Club’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock gives the MDC a significant head start compared to similar projects elsewhere in the UK.
“With major private sector investment already underway, the MDC will be able to leverage this momentum to attract further investment and accelerate delivery.”
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Liverpool City Council has already identified the potential for more than 17,700 new homes and 5m sq ft of new commercial space over the next 15 years within the North Docks area.
The MDC complements, but is separate to, the adjacent Liverpool North New Town Project – a community-focused regeneration programme aimed at creating new neighbourhoods.