Waterside regeneration specialist, Peel Waters, has appointed construction company GRAHAM to deliver the first phase of Central Docks. Spanning over 10.5-hectares, Central Docks is the largest brownfield site in Liverpool and will become the largest of the five planned neighbourhoods within the wider Liverpool Waters district.

Following a competitive tender process through Pagabo’s Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Framework, GRAHAM has been appointed to produce the final designs, along with the associated site investigations for the Central Docks infrastructure and Central Park. During this phase GRAHAM will engage a dedicated supply chain team, integrating both contractors and suppliers into the design process. 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.

The appointment of GRAHAM to design and complete the key infrastructure work follows on from a £56 million investment from Homes England, which was given final approval by HM Treasury in the recent autumn budget. Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet has agreed to accept Brownfield Infrastructure Land grant funding from Homes England and act as the accountable body on behalf of Peel Waters.

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.”

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.”

The infrastructure works and central park at Central Docks Liverpool Waters is expected to be completed by winter 2027.