Peel Waters has contracted GRAHAM to perform work on the first phase of the Central Docks project
Liverpool Central Docks spans over 10.5 hectares, making it the largest brownfield site in Liverpool.
The regeneration project will see it become the largest of five planned neighbourhoods in the Liverpool Waters district.
GRAHAM will produce the final design for Liverpool Central Docks
As part of the contract, GRAHAM will produce the final designs and site investigations for the infrastructure of the Central Docks and Central Park.
In this contract, GRAHAM will engage with a dedicated supply chain team that utilises both contractors and suppliers into the design process to transform Liverpool Central Docks into a mixed-use waterfront neighbourhood.
The rejuvenation of the whole 60 hectare region is intended to provide more living space, as well as stimulate economic growth in North Liverpool and the wider city region.
GRAHAM will facilitate the design of the underground utilities, roads, and public realm, as well as the 2.1-hectare Central Park, the focal point of the Central Docks neighbourhood within Liverpool Waters. This will be one of the city’s largest green spaces.
The park will see hundreds of new trees, sports and recreational facilities, play spaces, and points of relaxation for residents and visitors alike.
The project comes as a part of Liverpool’s most recent housing strategy, promising 2,000 new homes a year to 2030.
The Docks will see 2,350 new homes
The infrastructure will support around 2,350 new homes in line with Peel Waters’ plans, and in support of the Labour government’s plans for 1.5m new homes over the next five years. These homes will include affordable, build-to-rent, and homes with the elderly ijn mind. Peel Waters are in discussion with partners on how to best to deliver these, and how to develop plots with the mixed tenure nature of the neighbourhood in mind.
GRAHAM’s appointment to the Liverpool Central Docks project follows on from a £56m Homes England investment, approved by HM Treasury in the Autumn budget. Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet have agreed to accept the Brownfield Infrastructure Land grant from Homes England, acting as the accountable body on behalf of Peel Waters.
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.”
Councillor Nick Small, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for growth and economy, added: “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. I’m delighted work is about to begin on the site, 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: “We are delighted to be named the D&B contractor for this significant investment in infrastructure in Liverpool. 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.”
Paul Mawdsley, Pagabo’s North West regional delivery manager, also added: “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.
“Located at a brownfield site, and with substantial innovations required to hit its ambitious sustainability targets, Liverpool Waters has unique needs that all had to be considered when finding the right contractor. Through rigorous procurement procedures, GRAHAM has been appointed to fulfil the requirements and we look forward to keeping up with the project as it develops.”
