Update on £81m Central Docks in Liverpool

GRAHAM is on track to wrap up the infrastructure element of Peel Waters’ 2,350-home neighbourhood in 2028.

The main contractor has been on site for a year now, installing 12 miles of utility ducting, 1.7 miles of drainage systems, highways infrastructure, and foundations for two bridges – with an eye towards getting the site development-ready in the next two years.

Central Docks is part of Peel Waters’ £5bn Liverpool Waters scheme, a 148-acre waterfront district comprising 1.2m sq ft of offices, 280,000 sq ft of retail, 6.6m sq ft of residential space, and 290,000 sq ft of leisure.

Peel is investing £25.9m into the Central Docks infrastructure scheme, with Homes England contributing £55.2m.

Peel is already talking with developers, investors, funders, and registered providers about specific development plots. The landowner said it was looking for a mix of housing proposals for Central Docks, including build-to-rent, affordable, and later living.

In addition to the 2,350 homes, the completed Central Docks is expected to contain a 4.7-acre park. Central Park is being designed by Planit and includes a children’s play area, community garden, and open parkland.

“A year ago we celebrated the start of works at Central Docks. Twelve months later, we’re seeing real and substantial progress on the ground across what is the largest neighbourhood within Liverpool Waters,” said Chris Capes, Liverpool Waters development director at Peel Waters.

“Projects of this scale start with the infrastructure that people don’t always see, but it is this investment that makes everything else possible,” he continued.

“Every metre of drainage installed, every utility connection delivered and every bridge structure completed is helping create the framework for an entirely new waterfront community.”

Capes added: “The opportunity here is exceptional. We continue to welcome conversations with organisations that share our ambition to create one of the UK’s most exciting waterfront destinations.”

• READ MORE: Whittaker says Peel Waters is ready to invest and start another 30-year vision

The past year has not just been about site enabling works. GRAHAM and its team have been worked with The City of Liverpool College’s T-Level programme and with PLACED to help encourage more young people to join the industry.

GRAHAM contracts director Alastair Lewis said: “The project is also generating meaningful opportunities for local people.

“Through partnerships with colleges, universities and community organisations across the city, we are helping young people gain valuable site experience and develop a greater understanding of the diverse career opportunities available within the construction industry.”

The infrastructure project team includes lead design consultant Civic, MEP experts Crookes Walker and Hannan, utility infrastructure designer DACI, and landscape architects Layer.studio and Planit.

Walker Sime is the project manager and quantity surveyor. Placemarque is the wayfinding consultant and Actua is Peel’s NEC supervisor.

Also on the project team: Amion, Brabners, Curtins, Cushman & Wakefield, Headland Archaeology, Pegasus, RS Security, and Safer Sphere.

Central Docks sits within the Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporate, which hopes to deliver 17,000 homes and 5m sq ft of commercial space across 430 acres of brownfield land in the city.