Graham wins £71m Liverpool docks infra deal

Waterside regeneration specialist Peel Waters has appointed John Graham Construction as main contractor for the infrastructure works at Central Docks – the largest brownfield site in Liverpool

At 10.5 hectares, Central Docks is the largest of the five planned neighbourhoods within Peel’s wider, emerging Liverpool Waters district.  

Graham’s appointment follows the recent completion of several residential developments in Liverpool Waters, as well as site investigations and production of the final designs for the infrastructure and 2.1-hectare Central Park. 

Graham will now move into the role of main contractor and will be responsible for completing infrastructure to support the delivery of approximately 2,350 new homes, in line with Peel Waters’ masterplan for the area. Infrastructure includes underground utilities, roads and public realm. 

The works also involve the construction of a 2.1-hectare Central Park that sits at the centre of Peel Waters’ plans for Central Docks. Hundreds of trees will be planted within the park, alongside sports, recreational and play facilities for residents and visitors.

Construction work on Central Park and the Central Docks infrastructure is scheduled to begin this autumn. 

The £71m contract awarded to Graham represents the largest portion of the £81.1m total project cost. This investment will be underpinned by £25.9m direct investment from Peel Waters, alongside a £55.2m taxpayer contribution, via Homes England.

Peel Waters managing director James Whittaker said: “The appointment of Graham is a major step forward in turning our vision for Central Docks at Liverpool Waters into more of a reality as it means we are gearing up to breaking ground to provide much needed infrastructure to enable more development plots and housing to come forward.”

Peel Waters has worked with Graham on previous projects including Millers Quay across the Mersey at Wirral.

Project consultants and advisors include: