Peel Waters appoints Graham to Central Docks scheme

Peel Waters has appointed construction firm Graham to deliver a £71 million infrastructure package at Central Docks, marking a major step in the regeneration of Liverpool Waters—the city’s largest brownfield site.

The infrastructure works will support the delivery of approximately 2,350 new homes within Central Docks, the largest of the five planned neighbourhoods in the broader Liverpool Waters masterplan. The scheme forms part of a wider 60-hectare regeneration project aimed at transforming former docklands into a vibrant mixed-use waterfront district.

Under the contract, Graham will install essential infrastructure including underground utilities, roads, and public realm improvements. The scope also includes the creation of a 2.1-hectare Central Park, which will become one of the largest green spaces in Liverpool. The park will include hundreds of new trees, sports and play areas, and recreational spaces for residents and visitors.

The total project cost stands at £81.1 million, with £25.9 million invested directly by Peel Waters and £55.2 million funded by Homes England through its Brownfield Infrastructure Land grant. Liverpool City Council will act as the accountable body for the public funding. The funding package was confirmed in the Chancellor's Autumn Budget following an announcement designating Central Docks as a New Homes Accelerator site.

Residential development around the park will include a mix of tenures, with homes available for affordable housing, build-to-rent, build-to-sell, and elderly living. Peel Waters is in advanced discussions with several partners for development plots and is seeking further collaboration for additional sites.

James Whittaker, Managing Director at Peel Waters, described the appointment as a pivotal step: “The appointment of Graham is a major step forward in turning our vision for Central Docks at Liverpool Waters into more of a reality... to transform this former industrial land into a spectacular, waterfront neighbourhood and destination.”

Alastair Lewis, Contracts Director at Graham, said the firm shares Peel Waters’ long-term vision for the site. “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 world heritage waterfront,” he said.

Liverpool City Council Leader Councillor Liam Robinson added: “This appointment is a major milestone as it sets in motion a multi-million investment drive in one of the most important brownfield development sites in England.”

Work on the Central Docks infrastructure and park is due to begin this autumn.