Liverpool City Council has officially approved a £250 million regeneration plan for a significant section of the North Docks. The ambitious project, named 'King's Dock Waterside', aims to transform 15 acres of semi-derelict land into a vibrant mixed-use district, creating an estimated 1,200 new jobs and delivering over 500 new homes.
The development, led by regeneration specialists Urban Waterside Group, is expected to break ground in early 2025. It represents one of the largest single investments in the city's northern waterfront in over a decade and is a key part of the wider strategy to expand the city centre's footprint and reconnect historic docklands with residential communities.
Key Takeaways
- A £250 million regeneration project named 'King's Dock Waterside' has been approved for Liverpool's North Docks.
- The plan includes 520 new homes, 100,000 sq ft of commercial space, and a new public park.
- The project is projected to create approximately 1,200 full-time jobs during and after construction.
- Construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2025, with a phased completion over five years.
Project Vision and Scope
The King's Dock Waterside project is designed to create a new, sustainable neighbourhood on a site that has been underutilised for decades. The masterplan, developed by architects Harrison & Co., focuses on creating a balanced community with residential, commercial, and leisure facilities.
Central to the vision is the construction of 520 new homes. These will be a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and a small number of waterfront townhouses. According to the planning application, 20% of these homes will be designated as affordable housing, addressing a key need within the city.
Commercial and Retail Development
Beyond housing, the development will feature over 100,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. This is intended to attract a mix of independent businesses, cafes, restaurants, and creative studios. The ground floors of the new residential buildings will be dedicated to these commercial units to create an active and engaging street-level environment.
The plan also includes a modern, four-storey office building designed to attract tech and creative industry businesses, aligning with the city region's economic growth strategy.
Historical Context of the North Docks
Liverpool's North Docks were once the powerhouse of global trade during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Part of the city's UNESCO World Heritage site, the area contains a rich collection of historic warehouses and maritime infrastructure. Recent years have seen a concerted effort to regenerate these areas, such as the development at Stanley Dock, while preserving their unique character.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
A significant aspect of the King's Dock Waterside approval is its projected economic benefit for Liverpool. An independent economic impact assessment submitted with the plans estimates the creation of around 800 construction jobs over the five-year build period.
Once completed, the commercial, retail, and leisure elements of the scheme are expected to support a further 400 permanent, full-time equivalent jobs. This provides a substantial boost to the local economy in the Vauxhall and Kirkdale areas.
"This is more than just a development; it's a commitment to the future of North Liverpool. The £250 million investment will not only revitalise a forgotten part of our waterfront but will also create tangible opportunities for local people through jobs and new business spaces."
Liverpool City Council has also secured a local labour agreement with the developers. This ensures that a significant percentage of jobs and apprenticeships created by the project will be targeted at residents from surrounding postcodes.
Public Spaces and Infrastructure
A key feature of the approved plan is the emphasis on high-quality public realm and green space. Over a third of the 15-acre site will be dedicated to public use, including a new 3-acre waterfront park.
This new park will provide residents and visitors with direct access to the dockside, an area previously inaccessible to the public. The design includes walking and cycling paths that will connect to the existing network along the River Mersey.
Project Statistics at a Glance
- Total Investment: £250 Million
- Total Area: 15 Acres
- New Homes: 520 (104 affordable)
- Commercial Space: 100,000 sq ft
- Public Green Space: 5 Acres
- Construction Jobs: ~800
- Permanent Jobs: ~400
Transport and Connectivity
Improvements to local infrastructure are also part of the plan. The developers will contribute to upgrading nearby road junctions to manage increased traffic. Furthermore, the design promotes sustainable transport, with extensive cycling storage, electric vehicle charging points for every residential parking space, and improved pedestrian links to the nearest Merseyrail station at Sandhills.
The council's planning committee praised the scheme's focus on connectivity, noting it would help integrate the new district with the wider city.
Reaction and Next Steps
The approval has been met with positive reactions from business leaders and city officials. The Liverpool Chamber of Commerce described the project as a "major vote of confidence" in the city's post-pandemic economic recovery.
Councillor Sarah Doyle, Cabinet Member for Development and Economy, commented on the decision. "The King's Dock Waterside scheme is a pivotal moment for the regeneration of North Liverpool. It delivers on our strategic goals of creating high-quality housing, sustainable jobs, and beautiful public spaces that all our residents can enjoy."
With planning permission now secured, Urban Waterside Group will move to the final stages of technical design and contractor procurement. Site preparation work is expected to commence in late 2024, with the main construction beginning in the first quarter of 2025. The entire project is planned to be delivered in three phases, with final completion anticipated by 2030.