Graham to start on Liverpool Central Docks’ £71m foundations this month
Peel Waters aims to deliver 2,350 homes at the 26-acre brownfield site once the builder has completed the necessary enabling work.
Graham will begin work on Central Docks’ essential infrastructure, including underground utilities, roads, a park, and public realm by the end of September, targeting a spring 2028 finish.
The awarded £71m contract represents roughly 87% of the total £81.1m project cost – the investment is supported by £26m directly from Peel Waters and £55m of brownfield funding pledged by Homes England in July 2024.
Central Park, the five-acre public realm set to become one of the city’s largest green spaces, will be brought forward by Graham as part of the infrastructure project.
It is expected to provide sports, recreational, and play facilities for residents and visitors.
Future residents of Central Docks – the largest of the five planned neighbourhoods at the £5bn Liverpool Waters – will overlook the park and beyond toward the River Mersey.
Peel Waters has stated its 2,350 properties are to be made available across a mix of tenures, including affordable, build-to-rent, build-to-sell, and elderly living.
Graham will start work before the end of September. Credit: Virtual Planit
James Whittaker, managing director of Peel Waters, said: “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 projects, including Millers Quay across the Mersey at Wirral Waters.
“It is clear from the design process that all parties share our long-term vision to transform this former industrial land into a spectacular waterfront neighbourhood and destination.”
Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “This appointment is a major milestone as it sets in motion a multi-million investment drive in one of the most important brownfield development sites in England.
“The Central Docks site at Liverpool Waters has massive potential to deliver a housing scheme of significance and show the country how transformational brownfield regeneration can and should be done.”
He continued: “It will also act as a catalyst for our wider plans for north Liverpool, which will greatly stimulate the housing sector in our city region.”
Graham was first appointed in December 2024 to design the infrastructure for Central Docks.
Alastair Lewis, contracts director at Graham, added he looked forward to helping transform the site into “an iconic world heritage waterfront”.
Those contributing to the Central Docks project include Walker Sime, Actua, Planit, Layer.Studio, Curtins, Crookes Walker and Hannan, Amion, Thomas Lister, Cushman & Wakefield, Brabners, Civic, DACI, Pegasus, Headland Archaeology, and architect Bate and Taylor.
