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 biggest 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 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.

Peel says the new homes at Central Docks will have a diverse offering, including affordable, build-to-rent, and elderly, with advanced discussions underway 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, says: “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.”

Alastair Lewis, contracts director for GRAHAM, adds: “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.”

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