New images have been released to mark a year since work began on a new community and park on Liverpool's waterfront. The 26-acre Central Docks neighbourhood is the largest of five neighbourhoods within Peel Waters' Liverpool Waters project and will include approximately 2,350 new homes, with a mix of affordable, elderly, build-to-rent and open market properties.
Progress on the ground
Backed by £26m direct investment from Peel Waters and £55m of funding from Homes England, the works are unlocking land for thousands of new homes and a five-acre park, one of Liverpool city centre's largest new green spaces. Since works began, teams have excavated, processed and repurposed approximately 78,000m³ of material across the site.
More than 1,640 metres of kerbing and 1,400m² of paving have already been completed, while over 1,300 tonnes of historic dockside cobbles, equivalent to the weight of around 170 double-decker buses, have been carefully recovered for reuse across the development, helping preserve the character of Liverpool's maritime heritage. The Central Docks infrastructure project is expected to be completed in 2028.
Green spaces and heritage
More than 3,000 new trees are to be planted across Central Docks, alongside extensive planting, shaded seating, dog-friendly areas and spaces for reflection, social interaction and connection to the water. Along the emerging waterfront routes, more than 650m² of reclaimed cobbles have already been laid along Dock Wall Walk, alongside new paving, landscaping infrastructure and tree pits that will help create attractive pedestrian routes throughout the future neighbourhood.
Chris Capes, Liverpool Waters Development Director at Peel Waters, said: "A year ago we celebrated the start of works at Central Docks. Twelve months later, we're seeing real and substantial progress on the ground across what is the largest neighbourhood within Liverpool Waters."
"Projects of this scale start with the infrastructure that people don't always see, but it is this investment that makes everything else possible. Every metre of drainage installed, every utility connection delivered and every bridge structure completed is helping create the framework for an entirely new waterfront community."
"Central Docks will deliver approximately 2,350 homes alongside a major city park, new public spaces and opportunities for businesses to invest and grow. As these works continue, we're creating development-ready plots and are already in active discussions with developers, investors and funding partners interested in helping deliver the next phase of the neighbourhood."
Infrastructure and local opportunities
Alastair Lewis, GRAHAM Contracts Director, added: "GRAHAM is delivering the essential infrastructure that will unlock the regeneration of this historic area of Liverpool's waterfront. In our first year on site, we have installed almost 20 kilometres of utility ducting, laid 2.7 kilometres of drainage, and completed the foundations for new bridge structures. This vital work is transforming former dockland into development-ready sites, creating the infrastructure needed to support the delivery of approximately 2,350 new homes."
"The project is also generating meaningful opportunities for local people. Through partnerships with colleges, universities and community organisations across the city, we are helping young people gain valuable site experience and develop a greater understanding of the diverse career opportunities available within the construction industry."
"As the new neighbourhood emerges, enhanced walking and cycling connections, together with attractive public spaces, will create new ways for residents and visitors to access, enjoy, and reconnect with Liverpool's waterfront."
A series of milestones are scheduled over the coming months, including installation of the new pedestrian bridge, completion of the screening chamber demolition works and continued infrastructure delivery across the wider site.
