Contractor appointed on housing scheme at Liverpool’s largest brownfield site
Construction company, Graham, has been appointed by Peel Waters to deliver the first phase of its Central Docks plans.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in her October Budget that she had approved a £56m investment from Homes England for the development.
The site spans more than 10.5-hectares, making it the largest brownfield site in Liverpool, which will become the largest of the five planned neighbourhoods within the wider Liverpool Waters district.
Graham will produce the final designs, along with the associated site investigations for the Central Docks infrastructure and Central Park.
It will engage a dedicated supply chain team, integrating both contractors and suppliers into the design process.
Peel said this appointment marks a pivotal step in the regeneration of a 60-hectare historic site, transforming it into a vibrant, mixed-use waterfront neighbourhood that promises to stimulate substantial economic growth to North Liverpool and the wider Liverpool City Region.
In addition to designing the underground utilities, roads and public realm, Graham will be responsible for the final designs of the impressive 2.1-hectare central park, which will be the focal point of the Central Docks neighbourhood within Liverpool Waters, and which will become one of the city’s largest green spaces.
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 in have been incorporated into the design for both residents and visitors to enjoy.
The infrastructure will be fundamental to support approximately 2,350 new homes at Central Docks, in line with Peel Waters’ masterplan for the area, and supports the Government’s plans to build 1.5 million new homes across the UK in the next five years.
The new homes at Central Docks Liverpool Waters will have a diverse offering, including affordable, build-to-rent, and elderly, with Peel Waters already engaging in advanced discussions with partners to develop plots with the future mixed tenure neighbourhood.
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 as we start to bring the new neighbourhood to life for the people of Liverpool.”
Cllr Nick Small, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, said: “The Central Docks neighbourhood within Liverpool Waters is one of the country’s flagship brownfield sites and its redevelopment will act as a huge economic catalyst for north Liverpool. It’s a landmark moment for Liverpool Waters, for the city’s housing ambitions and for our emerging waterfront plan. The council is working very closely with our partners to support Peel Waters on this scheme, the success of which would mark a new decade of delivery that this city deserves.”
Alastair Lewis, Contracts Director for Graham, said: “The regeneration of Central Docks Liverpool Waters will not only enhance its aesthetics but also stimulate economic growth in the area.”
Paul Mawdsley, Pagabo’s North West Regional Delivery Manager, said: “This project is exemplary of the forward thinking regeneration that will be key to delivering significant impact to the region. Indeed, its high profile nature has seen it earmarked on several occasions by Labour’s Rachel Reeves as a development showcasing the potential that targeted investment in housing can have on growing the economy both locally and nationally.”
The infrastructure works and central park at Central Docks Liverpool Waters is expected to be completed by winter 2027.
