Backed by £56m of funding from Homes England Peel Waters appoints construction outfit GRAHAM to begin infrastructure works on Central Docks in Liverpool Waters. Tony McDonough reports
Construction firm GRAHAM has secured the contract for phase one of Peel Waters’ Central Docks regeneration project on Liverpool waterfront.
Backed by a £56m investment from Homes England, Peel Waters will set about transforming the 60-hectare Central Docks area of Liverpool Waters. Plans include 2,350 new homes and a new public park. This cash was confirmed by the Chancellor in the November Budget.
Phase one will see GRAHAM produce final designs, along with the associated site investigations for the Central Docks infrastructure and Central Park across a 10.5-hectare section of the brownfield site.
During this phase GRAHAM will engage a dedicated supply chain team, integrating both contractors and suppliers into the design process.
In addition to designing the underground utilities, roads and public realm, the firm will be responsible for the final designs of the 2.1-hectare Central Park, which will be the focal point of the Central Docks neighbourhood.
Hundreds of new trees will be planted within the park, as well as new sports and recreational facilities, spaces for play and spaces to relax have been incorporated into the design for both residents and visitors.
New homes at Central Docks Liverpool Waters will have a diverse offering, including affordable, build-to-rent, and elderly. Peel Waters is already engaging in discussions with partners to develop plots with the future mixed tenure neighbourhood.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet has agreed to accept Brownfield Infrastructure Land grant funding from Homes England and act as the accountable body on behalf of Peel Waters.
Stage two, which will encompass the construction and completion of the infrastructure and new park, will be awarded following the completion of stage one.
Chris Capes, development director for Liverpool Waters, said: “This is an exciting milestone for the regeneration of the Central Docks neighbourhood and it’s great to see the initial phase of work starting on site.
“GRAHAM understands our vision for Liverpool Waters and has a huge amount of experience in delivering projects of this scale so we have complete confidence in them and look forward to working with them.”
The infrastructure works and central park at Central Docks Liverpool Waters is expected to be completed by winter 2027. By that time Everton FC’s new stadium, just north of Central Docks in Liverpool will be completed.
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Alastair Lewis, contracts director for GRAHAM, added: “The regeneration of Central Docks Liverpool Waters will not only enhance its aesthetics but also stimulate economic growth in the area.
“GRAHAM has a proven history of successful collaboration with Liverpool City Council and Peel Waters, and we are excited to bring our early contractor involvement experience to this landmark development.”