Next steps revealed for plan to transform Liverpool’s North Docks
A public consultation is planned as a development body for the docklands moves forward
Plans to create a body to drive major regeneration across Liverpool’s North Docks have moved forward, with a full business case now being developed.
The proposed Mayoral Development Corporation aims to transform 174 hectares of brownfield dockland into a major extension of Liverpool city centre.
If approved, the plans could deliver five million square feet of commercial space and 17,700 new homes.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram will outline the next steps at the MIPIM property conference in Cannes.
Consultation planned this summer
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Liverpool City Council are expected to launch a statutory public consultation on the proposal by the summer.
The six week consultation will allow people, businesses and organisations to comment on the scope and function of the development body.
Once complete, the findings will help shape the full business case.
That document will then be submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for consideration.
The Combined Authority is expected to decide whether to formally create the corporation in the autumn.
Major regeneration plans for docklands
The proposed corporation would oversee a number of regeneration projects across Liverpool’s North Docks.
They include development of the Central Docks area within Liverpool Waters, which will feature a new urban park backed by a £55m government grant and £26m investment from Peel Waters.
Preparation work at the site is expected to be completed by 2028.
Other projects include the £1bn Kings development by Beetham Davos, a Grade A office scheme at Pall Mall, the conversion of Stanley Dock warehouses and the expansion of Liverpool’s cruise liner terminal by Global Port Holdings.
The plans build on momentum created by Everton FC’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium at Liverpool Waters.
Mayor outlines regeneration vision
Steve Rotheram said: “This Mayoral Development Corporation has the potential to inspire one of the UK’s most dramatic renaissance stories of the century, so I'm delighted to say our foot is firmly on the pedal to make this happen.
“For far too long, vast swathes of the city's historic docklands have been left to rot and the impact on North Liverpool and the communities surrounding it is clear to see.
“Now with the arrival of Everton's new stadium and exciting plans from developers such as Peel Waters and Beetham Davos coming out the ground, the timing to create such a body has never been better and the full business case should be ready for the Government to assess within the next 6 months.
“Momentum and confidence in the private sector is building and this MDC is the perfect body to capture that and provide the tools to accelerate it.
“Working alongside Liverpool City Council, we have a clear roadmap ahead of us to turbocharge much needed investment in a number of schemes which will transform this area from a brownfield wilderness to a dynamic extension of Liverpool city centre.”
Support from partners and developers
Liverpool City Council Leader Liam Robinson said: “This is a hugely important moment for the future of Liverpool’s North Docks and our wider city. Working with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the proposed Mayoral Development Corporation gives us a powerful opportunity to accelerate regeneration on a scale that simply hasn’t been possible before.
“By building on the momentum created by major investments such as the new Everton stadium at Liverpool Waters, we can unlock long term growth, deliver thousands of new homes, and create high quality jobs in a part of the city with enormous potential.
“Just as importantly, we are committed to engaging residents, businesses and partners as plans develop, so that this transformation delivers real benefits for Liverpool and its communities.”
James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters said: “We welcome today’s announcement from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and fully support the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation.
“Peel Waters has been a long-term partner to the city region, and the inclusion of Liverpool Waters is an important step forward. Liverpool Waters is already proving what working in partnership can achieve - 1,308 new homes, 289 hotel beds, and Everton’s incredible 52,000-capacity stadium delivered with our partners.
“With major infrastructure now underway at Central Docks to enable 2,350 more homes, plans progressing at pace at Kings and Princes Dock attracting in UK first leisure ventures; momentum at Liverpool Waters has never been stronger.
“Being part of the MDC will mean quicker decisions, greater flexibility, and closer collaboration; helping us accelerate our plans to build 7,000 homes and act as the catalyst Liverpool Waters needs to go further, faster.”