Making waves.
One drop at a time.
We’re excited to share with you the latest updates from Central Docks at Liverpool Waters.
It’s been a little while since our last Drop, but there’s been plenty happening
behind the scenes. We’re excited to bring you the latest updates from Central Docks,
from key milestones to community activity, find out what’s been going on as we
continue shaping former docklands into a thriving and exciting, new waterfront
neighbourhood at Liverpool Waters.
From docks to
destination.
Since our last update, Principal Contractor GRAHAM has been progressing at pace across Central Docks. Here are some of the key milestones and achievements from site:
- Site remediation is now complete, marking a major step forward in preparing the ground for future development
- Deep drainage works to the east and west of the canal are nearing completion
- Piling platforms for the road bridge, pedestrian bridge and pergola have been successfully constructed
- A temporary site entrance via Jesse Hartley Way is now in place, enabling continued progress while works continue at the main Waterloo Road entrance
- The Leeds & Liverpool Canal has been temporarily drained to allow for the installation of new drainage outfalls
- On-site screening and crushing have achieved the required aggregate grading, allowing materials to be reused within the permanent works
- Plants and landscaping are being carefully tested and monitored to ensure they are suited to the environmental conditions of this unique waterfront location
- Historic cobbles along the river walk have been lifted, cleaned and prepared for reuse, maintaining the character of the docks
- Heritage features have been carefully reclaimed, catalogued and stored, ready to be reintroduced into the future scheme
- The historic screening chamber from Clarence Dock Power Station is currently undergoing detailed investigation works
Events & Engagement.
Central Docks Drop-in
Cllr Dave Hanratty recently hosted a Public Information Event (PIE), bringing together residents from Waterloo Warehouse, Tobacco Warehouse and neighbouring developments to hear the latest updates on Central Docks.
Peel Waters’ Chris Capes was joined by GRAHAM Project Manager Hugh McNally and PLANIT Studio Director Danny Marsh, who each shared insights into the design, construction and long-term vision for the scheme. The session offered a valuable opportunity for attendees to hear directly from the project team and learn more about how Central Docks is taking shape.
Missed this Drop In? Don’t worry – more chances to get involved are coming soon.
We’re looking forward to hosting more Central Docks Drop Ins throughout the build. Details for our next event will be shared in future editions of The Drop and on the Liverpool Waters website.
Our community.
Making connections beyond the site.
Building Central Docks isn’t just about infrastructure – it’s about creating opportunities and supporting the local community.
Inspiring Future Careers.
Members of the team recently joined a careers fair at Alsop High School, helping students explore pathways into construction and engineering. Site Engineer Matt Dakin shared his own journey into the industry, while Social Impact Manager Stephen Hughes highlighted the wide range of roles available and signposted students to the GRAHAM Academy, which offers valuable training and recognised qualifications.
Back on site, teams also took part in a hands-on engagement activity, exploring how day-to-day decisions can impact the surrounding community – reinforcing our commitment to being good neighbours throughout the build.
Opening Doors with LFC Foundation.
We were pleased to welcome participants from the LFC Foundation’s Pathway to Works programme for a behind-the-scenes look at Central Docks. The visit gave young people aged 16–25 the chance to learn more about careers in construction, hear directly from project team members, and experience the scale of works first-hand.
For many, it was a valuable opportunity to connect their studies in civil engineering with real-world delivery – bringing future career paths to life.
Sustainability & heritage.
Respecting the past, building the future.
Sustainability and heritage continue to shape our approach at Central Docks, with a strong focus on reusing materials and preserving the site’s historic character. Here’s what’s been happening on the ground:
- On-site screening and crushing have achieved the required aggregate grading, allowing materials to be reused within the permanent works
- Plants and landscaping are being carefully tested and monitored to ensure they are suited to the environmental conditions of this unique waterfront location
- Heritage features have been carefully reclaimed, catalogued and stored, ready to be reintroduced into the future scheme
Dropped In Stone: Cobbles & Reuse
Heritage is quite literally being brought back to life on site at Central Docks.
Over 1,300 tonnes of historic cobbles dating back to the 1800s have been carefully lifted and preserved, with work now underway to reintroduce them into the scheme.
So far, 32 metres of original cobbled walkway has already been laid reinstating a key part of the dock’s character.
We’re also working closely with design teams and GRAHAM to creatively reuse the site’s granite sets and boulders. These will find new life as seating, benches and retaining features across Central Park and the surrounding public realm, including along the canal edge.
We’ll keep you updated as this work progresses – more to drop in future editions.
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Central Docks Partners.
