Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has welcomed strong public backing for plans designed to accelerate the transformation of Liverpool’s North Docks – bringing thousands of new homes and jobs to an area containing some of the city’s biggest development opportunities.
More than 85% of respondents backed the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), which would provide a dedicated organisation to help drive the long-term regeneration of the area.
A report to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee sets out the results of a six-week public consultation held over the summer, which received 537 responses.
The consultation sought views on three key elements of the proposed corporation: its name, the geographical area it would cover, and the powers it would need to support the regeneration of the North Docks.
Among those who responded:
- 85.2% supported the establishment of the MDC
- 79.3% agreed the MDC should act as the Local Planning Authority for major development proposals within the area
- 72.7% supported the proposed boundary
- 69.5% supported the proposed name
The consultation included responses from residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders, including Liverpool City Council and Riverside MP Kim Johnson, whose constituency the proposed MDC sits within.
It was promoted through local media and social media, alongside direct engagement with key stakeholders. Residents living within the proposed boundary were contacted through a targeted letter drop, while public notices were displayed throughout the consultation area.
The findings will now help inform the next stage of the proposal.
The consultation results will be considered by the Combined Authority’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday, 9 September, before a formal proposal is considered at a meeting of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on Friday, 25 September.
Subject to approval, Mayor 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 become the first Mayoral Development Corporation in the Liverpool City Region.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to have their say in the consultation. To see more than 85% of people backing our plans is a really strong vote of confidence in what we’re trying to achieve for Liverpool’s North Docks.
“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. 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.
“Everton’s new stadium has started the ball rolling on the transformation of the North Docks – bringing new investment, new energy and a renewed sense of what’s possible. We have an opportunity to build on that momentum by creating new neighbourhoods, opening up more of our waterfront and making the North Docks a place where people want to live, work and spend their time. I want to make sure the communities who call this area home are part of that journey and share in its success.”
Liverpool City Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson said: “This is a vote of confidence in our plans to regenerate the North Docks. 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.
“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. The Mayoral Development Corporation gives us the powers and focus to turn ambition into action – ensuring regeneration happens faster, benefits local communities and drives sustainable growth for the whole city region.”
Liverpool’s waterfront has undergone huge change over recent decades, but large areas of the North Docks remain undeveloped.
Despite major investment already taking place, the scale and complexity of regenerating the area – including fragmented land ownership, infrastructure requirements and the investment needed to make developments viable – mean some sites can be difficult to bring forward.
The proposed MDC is intended to help break down those barriers by bringing greater coordination and long-term focus to the area, with the aim of accelerating the delivery of new homes, jobs, commercial development and public spaces.
It would build on the momentum generated by Everton FC’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium and help extend regeneration northwards along the waterfront.
Plans for the area could eventually see largely undeveloped brownfield land transformed into new neighbourhoods containing up to 17,000 homes, alongside 5 million sq ft of commercial space, new businesses, green spaces and cultural amenities.
Covering around 174 hectares, the proposed development area would stretch from the Hill Dickinson Stadium towards the city centre and take in some of Liverpool’s biggest regeneration opportunities, including:
- Central Docks at Liverpool Waters, where plans include a new urban park supported by a £55m government grant and £26m investment from Peel Waters, with site preparation due for completion in 2028.
- The £1bn Kings development by Beetham Davos, which includes plans for what would become the city’s tallest building.
- Pall Mall, where plans for a major Grade A office development are intended to strengthen Liverpool’s Commercial District.
- Stanley Dock, including the continuing regeneration of its historic warehouse complex for residential and visitor accommodation.
- Liverpool Cruise Terminal, where Global Ports Holding is progressing plans to expand the facility.
Subject to the necessary approvals, further work would take place to develop the MDC’s detailed business case, governance structure and financial arrangements before it becomes fully operational.
The Combined Authority will continue to engage with residents, businesses and other stakeholders as those plans are developed.
