In a significant move for Liverpool’s regeneration plans, Homes England has secured $68 million to accelerate development across Central Docks, a key neighborhood within the Liverpool Waters project. The initiative aligns with the UK’s broader strategy to build 1.5 million new homes in the next five years, with Liverpool at the forefront of the nation’s brownfield redevelopment efforts.
The investment will finance a 26-acre regeneration plan that includes essential infrastructure such as roads, utilities, pavements, and public spaces, laying the groundwork for around 2,350 new homes. Notably, 20% of these homes are earmarked as affordable, responding to Liverpool’s housing strategy to increase housing availability and affordability.
The Central Docks development is part of Liverpool Waters, a vast mixed-use, waterfront district developed by Peel Waters, stretching over 148 acres along the River Mersey. With a projected $676 million from private investors expected for Central Docks alone, the project promises to reinvigorate Liverpool’s northern docklands and catalyze economic growth, job creation, and community development.
“This scheme has the potential to transform historic, disused dockland into an amazing new neighborhood befitting our iconic waterfront,” said Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council.
The ambitious plan for Central Docks is part of a 20-year vision for Liverpool’s waterfront, which includes projects like the new 52,888-seat Everton Stadium and the recently completed $86 million Isle of Man ferry terminal. Homes England’s funding will further accelerate infrastructure to support these developments, including green spaces and transport links connecting Central Docks with Liverpool’s urban core and surrounding neighborhoods.
Chris Capes, Development Director of Liverpool Waters, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project:
“The challenges faced when regenerating brownfield sites means collaboration and partnerships like this are vital,” Capes said. “This is a great example of central, regional, and local government working alongside the private sector to kick-start regeneration, attract inward investment, and deliver much-needed new homes.”
The centerpiece of the Central Docks development, Central Park, will provide Liverpool residents with 5.2 acres of urban green space—a substantial addition to the city’s landscape. Designed to honor the site’s industrial heritage and waterfront setting, Central Park will incorporate diverse natural elements such as coastal and woodland plantations, wetlands, and open parkland. Community amenities planned for the park include shelters, sports facilities, playgrounds, and wildlife habitats, enhancing recreational options for residents and visitors alike.
Mayor Steve Rotheram underscored the Central Docks project's broader economic and social impact, emphasizing its potential to drive regeneration across Liverpool and South Sefton. With around $1.2 billion in developments already underway, Rotheram sees Central Docks as a keystone in Liverpool’s efforts to attract investment and revitalize brownfield sites.
“The development of Central Docks, alongside the ongoing work to regenerate Bramley Moore and Bootle, has the potential to be a catalyst for growth and wider regeneration, creating jobs and attracting investment,” said Rotheram.
Currently, in public consultation, the Liverpool City Council’s housing strategy aligns with these plans. It outlines a commitment to developing 2,000 homes annually by 2030 and aims to double the city’s affordable housing stock. As part of the Liverpool Strategic Futures Panel, the council also focuses on sites like Central Docks to fulfill its long-term vision for sustainable, community-centered urban living.
Peter Denton, Chief Executive of Homes England, remarked on the significance of the partnership with Liverpool, noting, “Our role is to work with the mayor and local leaders to help them drive forward their visions for housing and regeneration and bring forward complex sites like Central Docks, transforming them into thriving communities.”
