Public engagement launched on updates to Liverpool Waters Masterplan 

by Ian Hughes
13th April 2023

Ten years on from the approval of the Liverpool Waters Masterplan and regeneration company Peel L&P is releasing an updated plan and asking the public if it reflects what local people want and need for the future.

River Walk Illustrative CGI

River Walk Illustrative CGI

Peel L&P has revisited the Masterplan to update it in line with Liverpool City Council’s Local Policy Plan and other local plans and national guidance. The changes also reflect how time has moved on and how we all live, work, and socialise has changed since the outline planning was granted.

The Liverpool Waters Masterplan is an ambitious 30-year, £5.5bn plan to transform 60 hectares of former dockland along the River Mersey into thriving, inclusive, sustainable mixed-use neighbourhoods.

Embracing the docks’ distinctive heritage, the Masterplan includes five distinct neighbourhoods, with different types of housing, retail, commercial, leisure, and community services, as well as green space, public transport routes, footpaths, and cycleways.

BMD looking south Courtesy of Peel L&P

BMD looking south Courtesy of Peel L&P

In recent months, work has started on two residential schemes totalling 600 new homes, the new Isle of Man Ferry Terminal is nearing completion, Everton FC’s new stadium is on track to be ready for the 2024/25 season. There is now over £880m of projects currently under construction at Liverpool Waters. In March this year plans were also approved for Central Park and infrastructure. The park will become one of the city centre’s largest green spaces spanning 1.9 hectares (or 4.7 acres), and the infrastructure will enable the delivery of around 2,350 new homes.

Looking ahead to the next ten years and beyond, Peel L&P is keen to demonstrate how Liverpool’s iconic docks might look in the future and is releasing new imagery and details including;

  1. The creation of a new heritage space in the Clarence dock neighbourhood of Liverpool Waters called ‘Dockside’, making the most of existing heritage features, with increased water access.
  2. A diverse mix of homes including type and tenure that provides something for everyone at all stages of life, including affordable housing.
  3. Different types of workspaces and retail use throughout the plan, from local convenience to impressive locations for restaurants and bars. Hotels in key locations benefiting from easy access and unique views.
  4. A new cultural landmark – an accessible stretch of the Mersey – a 2.3km riverside walk from Pier Head to Everton Stadium.
  5. Community assets and amenities dotted around the site for existing and future communities and residents to use; educational facilities and a health centre.
  6. A place well connected with existing public transport, with a new bus route running through its heart along with cycle/scooter hubs.
  7. An ambitious district heating network and renewable energy production.
River Walk Illustrative CGI

River Walk Illustrative CGI

The updated plan retains the ambitious vision to create a new, thriving mixed use extension to the city. It now includes more access to green space, promoting diversity nature and sustainability, and easy routes to get around, including the waterfront trail.

Chris Capes, Peel L&P’s Development Director for Liverpool Waters, said:

“The world has changed, Liverpool has changed, and the way in which we all live, work, and socialise has changed significantly since we first submitted our proposals in 2013. As the custodians of the Liverpool Waters site, it makes sense to revisit the Masterplan and make changes which we know will make Liverpool Waters even better.

“The updated masterplan is still hugely ambitious in scale, responds to the needs of our local communities and our climate emergency, and maximises the city’s illustrious heritage. We are keen to hear what people think and if they can, pop along and talk to us in person.”

The team at Liverpool Waters have created a dedicated website to capture people’s comments which can be found at www.liverpoolwatersletschat.co.uk.

They’re also holding two informal drop-in sessions with refreshments on Monday 17th April, 4pm – 7pm, at Silvestrian Suites, Silvester Street, Liverpool L5 8SE and Tuesday 18th April at Ten Streets Social, 8 Regent Rd, Liverpool, L3 7BX.

More information can be found at www.peellandp.co.uk

Ian Hughes
Ian Hughes
Marketing Manager
13th April 2023