Homes England, in partnership with Peel Waters and Liverpool City
Council, has marked the official groundbreaking of Central Docks,
Liverpool Waters.
The event, titled “From Foundations to Futures”, celebrated the
beginning of the £71million infrastructure works that will pave
the way for a vibrant new waterfront community. Civic leaders,
project partners, and over 100 students attended the event held
on site, highlighting the project's commitment to nurturing local
talent and creating pathways into construction and regeneration
careers.
Spanning 26 acres, Central Docks is the largest of five
neighbourhoods within the wider Liverpool Waters district. It
will deliver around 2,350 new homes, including affordable and
build-to-rent housing, supporting the government's ambition to
build 1.5 million new homes across the country in the next five
years.
Peel Waters has appointed leading contractor GRAHAM to deliver
the infrastructure works and construction of Central Park. The
£71 million contract forms the largest portion of the £81 million
total project cost, backed by £55 million from Homes England and
£26 million from Peel Waters. Liverpool City Council will act as
the accountable body for the grant funding.
The focal point of the new neighbourhood will be Central Park, a
five-acre green space featuring hundreds of new trees, play
areas, sports and recreational facilities, and enhanced walking
and cycling routes.
Amy Rees CB, Chief Executive of Homes England, said:
As the government's housing and regeneration agency, we are
committed to supporting partners, in the public and private
sector, to unlock strategic housing sites where brownfield,
infrastructure, or land projects face delivery challenges.
This groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone in the
transformation of Central Docks Liverpool Waters, laying the
foundations for a vibrant, inclusive new community that will
attract substantial private investment.
The progress achieved at Central Docks so far is a prime example
of how we work collaboratively with partners to achieve our
mission of creating thriving places people can be proud to call
home.
James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters said:
The groundbreaking of Central Docks marks a pivotal moment not
just for Liverpool Waters, but for the future of this iconic
waterfront. This milestone is the result of years of
collaboration with our partners across the public and private
sectors, and it reflects our shared commitment to unlocking the
full potential of these historic docklands.
From the foundations we lay today, we're building futures - for
residents, businesses, and the next generation of skilled
workers, driving forward regeneration on a scale that will
benefit generations to come.
Stephen Hill, Managing Director, GRAHAM Civil Engineering, said:
We're delighted to be appointed as principal contractor on this
landmark scheme for Peel Waters, reflecting our shared commitment
to creating infrastructure and neighbourhoods that prioritise
sustainability and community. This project will play a pivotal
role in further regeneration of the docklands area, and we look
forward to working with Peel Waters to transform this site into
an iconic waterfront.
Cllr , Leader of Liverpool City
Council, said:
The Central Docks development is an incredibly exciting step
forward in our ambition to transform Liverpool's northern
docklands into a thriving, inclusive and sustainable waterfront
community.
Central Docks will not only deliver thousands of much-needed
homes, but also unlock new opportunities for employment,
education and wellbeing through its green spaces and public
realm.
And dovetailing with our new town project, Liverpool North, means
that the benefits will be felt throughout the city.
Liverpool City Council is proud to be working in partnership with
Peel Waters and Homes England to ensure this regeneration
delivers lasting benefits for our residents and future
generations.
By acting as the accountable body for the Homes England funding,
we are helping to accelerate delivery and ensure that this
landmark development is rooted in the needs and aspirations of
our city.
The Central Docks neighbourhood is a key part of the wider
Liverpool Waters masterplan, which spans 60 hectares and aims to
reconnect the city with its historic waterfront, creating a
world-class destination for living, working, and leisure.
Work on the Central Docks Infrastructure works and Central Park
is expected to complete by late spring 2028.
About Homes England
We are the government's housing and regeneration Agency, and
we're here to drive the creation of more affordable, quality
homes and thriving places so that everyone has a place to live
and grow.
We make this happen by working in partnership with thousands of
organisations of all sizes, using our powers, expertise, land,
capital and influence to bring investment to communities and get
more quality homes built.
Learn more about us: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/homes-england/about
