Liverpool City Council has approved a £55m investment from the new Labour government, marking a significant advancement for the Central Docks housing scheme. This funding, part of the Brownfield Infrastructure Land (BIL) grant, aims to rejuvenate the stalled Central Docks project within Liverpool Waters.

The initiative, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, positions Liverpool at the heart of Labour’s new housing strategy. The project encompasses the development of a public park and key infrastructure, facilitating the construction of approximately 2,350 new homes by 2035. This ambitious plan is anticipated to attract an additional £500m in private investment.

The Liverpool Waters project, the city’s largest brownfield site, is managed by Peel and includes the development of a 2.1-hectare centrepiece park, a road network, bridges, and other utilities. The council, acting as the accountable body, will collaborate with Peel, Homes England, and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to bring the scheme to fruition.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram’s Strategic Futures Panel identified the location as crucial for redevelopment. Public sector intervention is deemed essential for site preparation, including remediation efforts.

Construction is expected to commence in spring next year, with thousands of new homes slated to begin development by 2027. Approximately 20% of these homes will be affordable, alongside 55,000 sqm of commercial and community facilities.

The Liverpool project highlights the importance of construction networking events in facilitating partnerships and securing investments critical to addressing housing needs. These events offer valuable networking tips for those seeking to understand how to win construction contracts and navigate the property development landscape.