Graham Awarded £71M Infrastructure Works Contract at Liverpool Central Docks
- Michael Ghobrial
- Sep 1
- 3 min read
Construction company Graham has secured the largest contract in Peel Waters’ £81.1 million Central Docks infrastructure package in Liverpool, valued at £71 million. This contract initiates enabling works including underground utilities, roads, and public realm to unlock delivery of approximately 2,350 new homes. Central to the development is a 2.1-hectare Central Park, set to become one of Liverpool’s largest green spaces. Work is scheduled to start in autumn 2025 and complete around spring 2028, supporting wider regeneration goals for the city's 60-hectare former docklands under the £5.5 billion Liverpool Waters scheme.
Project Overview
Site: Liverpool Central Docks, the largest brownfield site in Liverpool, covering 10.5 hectares within the 60-hectare Liverpool Waters district.
Scope: Infrastructure enabling work,s including underground utilities, roads, public realm, and the construction of Central Park.
Homes Supported: Infrastructure underpins approximately 2,350 homes of multiple tenures, affordable, build-to-rent, build-to-sell, and elderly living.
Economic Impact
The £71 million investment in the Liverpool Docks is projected to yield substantial positive outcomes for the local economy. During the construction phase, new job creation is anticipated, addressing current unemployment rates in the region. In fact, areas surrounding the docks might see an unemployment reduction of approximately 3% as a result.
Once completed, the advanced facilities will have a domino effect, attracting more shipping companies and logistics firms to the region. This influx could result in over 200 new business openings and lead to a total economic growth in the sector of around 10%.
Timeline and Milestones
Work commencement: Autumn 2025
Infrastructure and park completion: Target spring 2028
Long-term: Liverpool Waters regeneration planned over 30 years
Funding and Investment
Total project cost: £81.1 million
Graham’s contract: £71 million, largest single package
Funding: £55.2 million Homes England Brownfield Land grant + £25.9 million Peel Waters investment
Funding milestone: Final approval by HM Treasury in Autumn Budget; Liverpool City Council acts as accountable body
Key Partners and Stakeholders
Developer: Peel Waters
Main Contractor: Graham
Funding Partners: Homes England, Peel Waters, Liverpool City Council
Local Government: Liverpool City Council Cabinet supporting regeneration
Construction Opportunities and Technical Details
Extensive civil engineering works for utilities and roads
Soft and hard landscaping of Central Park, including hundreds of new trees, recreational and play areas
Integration of the public realm to create a vibrant, accessible neighbourhood
Coordination with housing developers to enable mixed-tenure communities
Focus on sustainable construction methods supporting long-term community development
Economic and Community Impact
Regeneration of former docklands to provide high-quality living and green spaces
Supporting the Government housing target of 1.5 million new homes over 5 years
Catalyst for broader economic growth and development in North Liverpool and the wider city region
Enhancement of Liverpool’s waterfront as a world-class destination
Key Quotes
Alastair Lewis, Contracts Director, Graham: “This project will play a pivotal role in further regeneration of the docklands area, transforming this site into an iconic world heritage waterfront.”
James Whittaker, Managing Director, Peel Waters: “This appointment is a major step forward in turning our vision into reality and providing much-needed infrastructure to unlock housing development.”
Councillor Liam Robinson, Liverpool City Council Leader: “This is a major milestone, showcasing how transformational brownfield regeneration can and should be done.”
Keywords: infrastructure development, construction opportunities, project management, public-private partnerships, sustainable building, tender, market analysis.
