The 26-acre Central Docks neighbourhood is getting a major glow-up, marking the start of a new era for the area. Today (October 15) marked the start of the £71 million project, set to deliver new homes and a massive 5-acre park.
Peel Waters is executing the project, in partnership with Homes England and Liverpool City Council, hosting an opening ceremony with civic leaders, project partners, and over 60 students from the newly opened City of Liverpool College Construction Academy, located within the Central Docks development zone.
The 26-acre Central Docks neighbourhood will include approximately 2,350 new homes, including a mix of affordable, elderly, build-to-rent, and open-market properties, in line the Government’s plans to build 1.5 million new homes across the UK over the next four years.
The star of the show, and the focal point of the new neighbourhood, will be Central Park. While not like the one in New York City, the huge 5-acre park will be one of the inner city’s largest green spaces, boasting hundreds of freshly-planted trees, play areas, sports and recreational facilities, as well as walking and cycling routes.
Moreover, Peel Waters appointed GRAHAM in September 2025, who has a “strong track record in complex urban developments to deliver the infrastructure works and the construction of Central Park”.
James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters, said: “The groundbreaking of Central Docks marks a pivotal moment not just for Liverpool Waters, but for the future of this iconic waterfront. This milestone is the result of years of collaboration with our partners across the public and private sectors, and it reflects our shared commitment to unlocking the full potential of these historic docklands.
“From the foundations we lay today, we’re building futures – for residents, businesses, and the next generation of skilled workers, driving forward regeneration on a scale that will benefit generations to come.”
Stephen Hill, Managing Director, GRAHAM Civil Engineering, 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 waterfront.”
Amy Rees CB, Chief Executive of Homes England, said: “As the government’s housing and regeneration agency, we are committed to supporting partners, in the public and private sector, to unlock strategic housing sites where brownfield, infrastructure, or land projects face delivery challenges.
“This groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone in the transformation of Central Docks Liverpool Waters, laying the foundations for a vibrant, inclusive new community that will attract substantial private investment. The progress achieved at Central Docks so far is a prime example of how we work collaboratively with partners to achieve our mission of creating thriving places people can be proud to call home.”
Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “The Central Docks development is an incredibly exciting step forward in our ambition to transform Liverpool’s northern docklands into a thriving, inclusive and sustainable waterfront community. Central Docks will not only deliver thousands of much-needed homes, but also unlock new opportunities for employment, education and wellbeing through its green spaces and public realm.
“And dovetailing with our new town project, Liverpool North, means that the benefits will be felt throughout the city. Liverpool City Council is proud to be working in partnership with Peel Waters and Homes England to ensure this regeneration delivers lasting benefits for our residents and future generations. By acting as the accountable body for the Homes England funding, we are helping to accelerate delivery and ensure that this landmark development is rooted in the needs and aspirations of our city.”