Peel Waters, in partnership with Homes England, this week marked the start of £71 million in essential infrastructure works that will lay the foundation for a vibrant new waterfront community. Tony McDonough reports
Last month LBN reported that Peel Waters had submitted a trio of planning applications to Wirral Council for a new phase in its Wirral Waters development, including speculative 45,000 sq ft unit at Mea Park West, a key industrial and employment site with capacity for more than 200 jobs.
And this week, in partnership with Homes England and Liverpool City Council, it has officially broken ground on the Central Docks neighbourhood at Liverpool Waters, marking a major milestone in the transformation of Liverpool’s northern industrial docklands.
From Foundations to Futures, an event held on Tuesday at Central Docks, brought together civic leaders, project partners, and over 60 students from the newly opened City of Liverpool College Construction Academy.
Spanning 26 acres, Central Docks is the largest of five neighbourhoods within the wider Liverpool Waters masterplan.
Once complete, it will deliver approximately 2,350 new homes – a mix of affordable, elderly, build-to-rent, and open-market properties – contributing to the UK Government’s goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes nationwide over the next four years.
At the heart of the neighbourhood will be Central Park, a landmark five-acre green space set to become one of the city’s largest inner-urban parks. The park will feature hundreds of new trees, children’s play areas, sports and recreational facilities, as well as new walking and cycling routes.
Peel Waters are leading the development, working closely with Homes England and Liverpool City Council to ensure the scheme delivers lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits for the city and its communities.
GRAHAM, a leading UK contractor with extensive experience in complex urban developments, has been appointed to deliver the infrastructure work.
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The £71 million infrastructure contract represents the largest portion of the £81.1 million total project cost, encompassing utilities, road networks, and public realm essential to the area’s long-term growth.
Funding for the project comprises £25.9 million from Peel Waters and a further £55.2 million from Homes England. Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet agreed to accept the £55.2 million Brownfield Infrastructure Land grant from Homes England and will act as the accountable body on behalf of Peel Waters.
James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters, said: “The groundbreaking of Central Docks marks a pivotal moment not just for Liverpool Waters, but for the future of this iconic waterfront.
“This milestone is the result of years of collaboration with our partners across the public and private sectors, and it reflects our shared commitment to unlocking the full potential of these historic docklands.
“From the foundations we lay today, we’re building futures – for residents, businesses, and the next generation of skilled workers, driving forward regeneration on a scale that will benefit generations to come.”
Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, added: “The Central Docks development is an incredibly exciting step forward in our ambition to transform Liverpool’s northern docklands into a thriving, inclusive and sustainable waterfront community.
“Central Docks will not only deliver thousands of much-needed homes, but also unlock new opportunities for employment, education and wellbeing through its green spaces and public realm.
“And dovetailing with our new town project, Liverpool North, means that the benefits will be felt throughout the city.”
The Central Docks neighbourhood is a key part of the wider Liverpool Waters masterplan, which spans 60 hectares and aims to reconnect the city with its historic waterfront, creating a world-class destination for living, working, and leisure.
Work on the Central Docks Infrastructure works and Central Park is expected to complete by late spring 2028.