Liverpool’s waterfront is one of the most well-known, iconic areas of the city, and over the last few years in particular, the space has changed and evolved in a variety of ways including the vast development and plans for additional high-quality housing, to meet the ever-rising demand from those looking to live, work, and invest in the city.
A huge part of this project is the Peel Waters plans, which is a large scale £5.5 billion development in the Vauxhall area which aims to make use of a series of derelict dock spaces in the Central Docks. It has now been revealed that work will commence on the Central Docks’ essential infrastructure imminently, with a target of finishing the developments in the spring of 2028. This will include underground utilities, roads, public space, and even a park, which will all feed into making the Peel Waters project a reality.
Peel Waters aims to deliver 2,350 homes once the necessary enablement work is completed, and the contract for the various groundwork components represents up to £71 million, which is a highly significant figure when it comes to impact on the local economy. This expansive project will present an array of opportunities in architecture jobs in Liverpool and eventually property jobs in Liverpool too.
Managing Director of Peel Waters, James Whittacker, stated that ‘we are gearing up to break ground to provide much-needed infrastructure to enable more development plots and housing to come forward.’
He also went on to highlight that ‘it is clear from the design process that all parties share our long-term vision to transform this former industrial land into a spectacular waterfront neighbourhood and destination.’
One of the most interesting components of this scheme is Central Park, which will provide a 5-acre space for residents and tourists alike to enjoy. Once completed, this will become one of the city’s largest green spaces and has been prioritised by civil engineering company, Graham, who will lead on the project. Hundreds of trees are set to be planted in the park, and there are also plans for sports, recreational and play facilities too.
The 2,350 properties that are set to be produced by the Peel Waters plans will be made up of a mixture of residential spaces, including affordable spaces and elderly living, all the way to build-to-rent and build-to-sell structures, all situated near the iconic River Mersey.
When speaking on the appointment of Graham within the project, Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, stated that ‘the appointment is a major milestone as it sets in motion a multi-million investment drive in one of the most important brownfield development sites in England.’
Robinson also stated that ‘the Central Docks site at Liverpool Waters has massive potential to deliver a housing scheme of significance and show the country how transformational brownfield regeneration can and should be done. It will also act as a catalyst for our wider plans for north Liverpool, which will greatly stimulate the housing sector in our city region.’