Liverpool North Docks regeneration receives major backing
Plans to accelerate the regeneration of Liverpool’s North Docks have received strong public backing, with 85.2% of consultation respondents supporting the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).
The proposed corporation would be established to coordinate the long-term regeneration of around 174 hectares of brownfield land, helping to overcome development barriers and accelerate the delivery of new homes, commercial space, infrastructure and public realm.
A six-week public consultation received 537 responses from residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders.
Mayoral Development Corporation could unlock major development sites
The consultation asked for views on the proposed MDC’s name, geographical boundary and planning powers.
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Alongside the 85.2% support for establishing the corporation, 79.3% of respondents supported the MDC acting as the Local Planning Authority for major development proposals within the area.
A further 72.7% backed the proposed boundary, while 69.5% supported the proposed name.
The results will be considered by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 9 September, before a formal proposal is considered by the Combined Authority on the 25th September.
Subject to approval, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram intends to write to the Secretary of State requesting the formal establishment of the Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation.
If approved by government, it would be the first MDC established in the Liverpool City Region.
North Docks plans could deliver up to 17,000 homes
The proposed development area contains some of Liverpool’s largest regeneration opportunities, with longer-term plans potentially delivering up to 17,000 homes alongside 5 million sq ft of commercial space.
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The regeneration is intended to build on investment around Everton FC’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium and extend development northwards along the waterfront.
Major sites within the proposed area include Central Docks at Liverpool Waters, where plans include a new urban park supported by £55m of government funding and £26m from Peel Waters.
Site preparation at Central Docks is due to be completed in 2028.
Other major projects include the £1bn Kings development by Beetham Davos, Pall Mall’s planned Grade A office development, the continuing regeneration of Stanley Dock and proposed expansion of Liverpool Cruise Terminal.
The scale of the North Docks regeneration means the area faces a number of development challenges, including fragmented land ownership, infrastructure requirements and the investment needed to make individual schemes viable.
The proposed MDC is intended to provide greater coordination and a long-term framework for addressing those barriers.
Brownfield regeneration to create new homes and jobs
The plans would see large areas of currently underdeveloped brownfield land brought forward for housing, commercial development, green space and cultural uses.
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Mayor Steve Rotheram said the consultation result represented a “strong vote of confidence” in the proposals.
“For generations, the docks were the engine room of Liverpool’s economy and helped make our city famous around the world. Now we have a chance to write the next chapter in their story,” he said.
“The North Docks represents one of the biggest opportunities Liverpool has had in generations – bringing huge stretches of brownfield land back to life with new green spaces, homes, good jobs, thriving businesses and fantastic places for people to enjoy.”
Liverpool City Council Leader Cllr Liam Robinson said the proposed MDC could help unlock the area’s development potential.
“People recognise that it has the potential to deliver thousands of new homes, modern workspaces and vibrant public spaces that will improve the quality of life for residents and attract investment into the city,” he said.
“By unlocking this area, we can generate thousands of jobs, support local businesses to grow and strengthen Liverpool’s position as a thriving economic hub.”
If the proposal progresses, further work will be undertaken on the MDC’s detailed business case, governance structure and financial arrangements before it becomes fully operational.
