Plans to accelerate the transformation of Liverpool’s North Docks have received strong public backing, with more than 85% of respondents supporting the creation of a dedicated Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to drive regeneration across one of the city’s most significant development areas.
The proposal, championed by Mayor Steve Rotheram, is designed to unlock thousands of new homes, jobs and commercial opportunities across a vast stretch of waterfront brownfield land.
A report submitted to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee outlines the results of a six-week consultation carried out over the summer, which attracted 537 responses from residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders.
The consultation examined three key areas of the proposed corporation: its name, the geographical boundary it would cover and the powers it would require to support large-scale regeneration.
The consultation revealed broad support for the proposals:
- 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 development boundary
- 69.5% backed the proposed name
Responses were received from a range of stakeholders, including Liverpool City Council and Riverside MP Kim Johnson, whose constituency includes the proposed development area.
The consultation was promoted through local media, social media channels and direct engagement. Residents living within the proposed boundary were contacted via a targeted letter drop, while public notices were displayed across the area.
The findings will now inform the next phase of the proposal before further decisions are taken later this month.
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.”
While Liverpool’s waterfront has seen major investment and redevelopment over recent decades, significant areas of the North Docks remain underused.
Regeneration has often been slowed by fragmented land ownership, infrastructure challenges and the scale of investment required to bring sites forward. The proposed MDC aims to address these issues by providing long-term leadership, coordination and strategic planning.
The corporation would build on momentum already created by Everton FC’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium and help extend regeneration further north along the waterfront.
If delivered in full, plans could see up to 17,000 new homes created alongside five million square feet of commercial space, supporting new businesses, employment opportunities, cultural attractions and green public spaces.
The proposed development zone covers approximately 174 hectares and includes several major regeneration projects:
- Central Docks at Liverpool Waters: Plans include a new urban park backed by a £55 million government grant and £26 million investment from Peel Waters, with site preparation expected to conclude in 2028.
- The Kings Development: A £1 billion scheme from Beetham Davos that includes proposals for what would become Liverpool’s tallest building.
- Pall Mall: Planned Grade A office development intended to strengthen Liverpool’s Commercial District.
- Stanley Dock: Continued regeneration of historic warehouse buildings for residential and visitor accommodation.
- Liverpool Cruise Terminal: Expansion plans currently being progressed by Global Ports Holding.
The consultation findings will be considered by the Combined Authority’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee before a formal proposal is presented to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on 25 September.
Subject to approval, Mayor Rotheram will formally request that the Secretary of State establish the Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation.
If approved by government, it would become the first Mayoral Development Corporation in the Liverpool City Region.
Further work would then be undertaken to develop the corporation’s governance, business case and funding arrangements, while ongoing engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders continues.
Image credit: iStock
