Peel Waters appoint GRAHAM as the contractor to deliver £71million of infrastructure works at Central Docks, Liverpool Waters

Waterside regeneration specialists, Peel Waters, have appointed construction company GRAHAM as the main contractor for the infrastructure works at Central Docks – the largest brownfield site in Liverpool, and the largest of the five planned neighbourhoods within Peel’s wider, emerging Liverpool Waters district.

The appointment continues the momentum at Central Docks Liverpool Waters, following the recent completion of several residential developments, site investigations and production of the final designs for the infrastructure and 2.1-hectare Central Park.

The construction firm will now move into the role of main contractor and will be responsible for completing infrastructure to support the delivery of approximately 2,350 new homes, in line with Peel Waters’ masterplan for the area, and supporting the Government’s plans to build 1.5 million new homes across the UK in the next five years. This essential infrastructure includes underground utilities, roads and public realm at Central Docks that will be fundamental to delivering the ambitious number of homes within the neighbourhood.

The works also involve the construction of an impressive 2.1-hectare Central Park that sits at the centre of Peel Waters’ plans for Central Docks. Hundreds of new trees will be planted within the park, as well as new sports, recreational, and play facilities for residents and visitors, as well as spaces to relax. The park will become one of the city’s largest green spaces and the focal point of the 10.5-hectares Central Docks neighbourhood in Liverpool Waters.

The 2,350 future new homes at Central Docks will sit around the park and will have a diverse tenure offering, including affordable, build-to-rent, build-to-sell and elderly living Peel Waters are already engaged in advanced discussions with several partners to develop plots within the mixed tenure neighbourhood, and will be seeking new partners for the other development plots.

The £71 million contract awarded to GRAHAM represents the largest portion of the £81.1 million total project cost. This investment will be underpinned by £25.9 million direct investment from Peel Waters, alongside a substantial £55.2 million contribution from Homes England. In the Chancellor’s first speech following her appointment last July, she announced Liverpool Central Docks as a New Homes Accelerator site and funding to support its regeneration. The funding was then given final approval by HM Treasury in the following autumn budget.

Last year, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet agreed to accept the £55.2m Brownfield Infrastructure Land grant funding from Homes England and will act as the accountable body on behalf of Peel Waters.

The appointment marks another major step forward in the regeneration of Liverpool Waters. The 60-hectare, former dockland site is being transformed into a vibrant, mixed-use waterfront neighbourhood over 30 years and continues to stimulate substantial economic growth to North Liverpool and the wider Liverpool City Region.

James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters said: “The appointment of GRAHAM is a major step forward in turning our vision for Central Docks at Liverpool Waters into more of a reality as it means we are gearing up to breaking ground to provide much needed infrastructure to enable more development plots and housing to come forward.

“Peel Waters have worked with the contractor on several award-winning projects across our portfolio including Millers Quay across the Mersey at Wirral Waters and 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.”

Alastair Lewis, Contracts Director at GRAHAM 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 world heritage waterfront”.

Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “This appointment is a major milestone as it sets in motion a multi-million investment drive in one of the most important brownfield developments sites in England. 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 help stimulate the housing sector in our city region.”

Construction work on Central Park and the Central Docks infrastructure is scheduled to begin this autumn.

Project consultants and advisors:
Walker Sime – Client Representative, NEC PM, QS
NEC Supervisor – Actua
Planit and Layer Studio – Landscape Architects
Curtins – Civils and Structural
Crookes Walker and Hannan – MEP / Utilities
Safer Sphere – CDM Advisor
Placemarque – Signage
Amion – Economic
Cushman & Wakefield – Valuation
Brabners – Construction Law
Civic Engineers: Civils, Structural, Highways, Geotechnical
DACI – Utility Infrastructure Design
Pegasus – Planning
Headland Archaeology – Archaeology
RS Security – Security / CCTV
Bate and Taylor – Architect