Liverpool picks team for Kings Dock regeneration
BDP and Faithful+Gould have been picked to draw up plans to transform eight acres of the city’s waterfront.
Liverpool City Council wants to see the remaining vacant sites at Kings Dock redeveloped into a “residential-led, mixed-use development of international standard in design and sustainability, with the potential for a major cultural and/or leisure venue”.
Architect BDP will lead on design and Faithful+Gould is the development manager for the project.
The firms have been tasked with drawing up a masterplan for the clutch of sites and obtaining planning approval, at which point the city council will market the plots for sale.
The city council’s brief also requires the creation of a design code centred around an “ecosystem-based approach” that respects the heritage of the dock, and increases the overall biodiversity connectivity, and inclusivity of the waterfront.
“This site marks the final chapter in the regeneration of the King’s Dock site and as such is a unique opportunity for Liverpool to create a world-leading waterfront development, rooted in quality and defined by sustainability,” said Cllr Sarah Doyle, cabinet member for development and economy.
“I’m delighted we’ve appointed such a talented and experienced team to deliver this first phase in this development. There is a huge amount of work to be done and it needs to be carefully plotted out with the full engagement of local residents and stakeholders.”
She added: “The next two years will define the rest of the century for this site – and we need to ensure any scheme that comes forward is environmentally, socially and economically viable.”
So far, Kings Dock has seen the delivery of the 11,000-capacity M&S Bank Arena, a convention centre that includes a 1,350-seat conference auditorium, and the 90,000 sq ft Exhibition Centre Liverpool.
A 1,450-space multistorey car park, a central public plaza, 1,800 homes and three hotels also occupy the site.
The final phase of the project is supported by a £1m loan from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said he is looking forward to seeing the scheme progress.
“Liverpool’s waterfront is already one of our region’s most iconic landmarks – and the council’s ambitious plans to expand King’s Dock are testament to the strong appetite and growth the city is seeing in its recovery,” he said.
“We have invested £1m into its expansion, to ensure that it can continue to grow, create new jobs and strengthen our economy, hopefully acting as a catalyst for further investment in the area. I can’t wait to see the masterplan take shape – to see the next chapter in this area’s story.”
The project team reacts
Peter Jackson, North West head of property at Faithful+Gould said: “This is such an important development for the city of Liverpool and wider North West region as this final stage will deliver on multiple fronts for residents living and working here.
“At Faithful+Gould we are passionate about projects that deliver real social value on the ground and the Kings Dock regeneration has social value at its core. We will also be drawing on our wide-ranging expertise in development management to support the client’s ambitions and ensure sustainability is locked in at every stage.”
Mark Braund, architect director and head of BDP’s Liverpool studio said: “This is one of the best sites along the waterfront of Liverpool, it offers huge potential to the city and the wider region.
“Kings Dock is a place that has a diverse context, from performance venue to historic docks, residential neighbourhoods and creative districts. We feel proud to be helping Liverpool shape the vision and masterplan and we are looking forward to engaging with the community over the coming months to help shape the future of the site.”
