The transformation of Liverpool’s historic waterfront continues, as developers submit the latest plans for the 60 hectare brownfield site to the north of the city centre. BBC News reports that Peel Waters aims to create a new Liverpool neighbourhood with homes, office space, and retail and leisure facilities.
The former docklands areas along the Mersey Estuary are the subject of long-term regeneration plans, with many new developments including the Bramley Moore Dock Stadium, the new 52,000 capacity home for Everton FC, replacing Goodison Park. It is expected to open ahead of the new 20025-26 season.
In total, the dockland areas will benefit from £5bn of development over the course of 30 years. Work on the scheme first began ten years ago.
Professor Michael Parkinson CBE, of the Heseltine Institute at the University of Liverpool, said: “Liverpool has had a fantastic – if not yet complete – renaissance in the past 20 years. In the past north Liverpool has not shared enough in the city’s progress and has been left behind.”
He added: “Liverpool Waters is a crucial part of the city which desperately needs continuing investment and regeneration delivered in a sustainable, high-quality way.”
“Capitalising on the building of Everton’s new stadium, the changes in peoples’ working lives after Covid, and the involvement of the local community in the new plan, means the masterplan is now more attuned to what the city and north Liverpool will really need in future. Liverpool Waters should be a crucial part of the continuing Liverpool success story.”
Chris Capes, development director for Liverpool Waters, said: “Our new vision for Liverpool Waters is both exciting and inspiring, and has been driven by the people of Liverpool and the demand for more green and sustainable places where people can enjoy a higher quality of life.”
In a further boost for the city, Homes England have announced they will provide £55m Brownfield Infrastructure Land (BIL) grant funding. This will support plans to deliver 2,000 new homes every year until 2030 and to double the number of affordable homes in the city. There are also plans for a public park and extra infrastructure.
Leader of Liverpool City Council, Cllr Liam Robinson, said: “This new funding from Homes England will help transform one of the country’s major brownfield sites and act as a huge economic catalyst for north Liverpool.”
“I was delighted to hear the new Chancellor cite Liverpool Waters as a key scheme in her first speech in the Treasury. Liverpool City Council stands ready to help deliver that mission to unlock our brownfield sites to kickstart a new era of house building.”
The Central Docks area is the largest regeneration site, and will include a huge 2.1 hectare Central Park, which is described as an ‘urban oasis.’ It will feature woodland plantations, wetlands, paths for walkers and cyclists, recreational amenities, and wildlife habitats as well as open parkland.