A major new chapter in the transformation of Liverpool’s historic waterfront has begun.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, with Liverpool City Council, has launched a six-week public consultation on proposals to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for Liverpool’s North Docks.

The public consultation opened at 8 am on Thursday, 2 July and invites residents, businesses, landowners and stakeholders to approve the name of the MDC, its boundary and its proposed powers until Friday, 14 August.

Subject to approval, the MDC will build on the momentum generated by Everton FC’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium at Liverpool Waters, transforming 174 hectares of brownfield land into a dynamic extension of Liverpool city centre.

Plans include the delivery of 5 million sq ft of new commercial space, up to 17,000 new homes, and new urban green spaces and cultural amenities.

A map released alongside the consultation illustrates the scope of the proposed area, stretching from Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium into Liverpool’s Commercial District and out to the Pumpfields neighbourhood.

The proposed MDC would be overseen by a Mayoral Development Corporation, which would act as a dedicated vehicle to accelerate delivery across the area, unlocking investment, coordinating development and ensuring the North Docks fulfils its potential as a major hub for innovation, clean growth and high-quality urban living.

The proposed body, which would have an independent board, would have powers to purchase land, raise money, and make planning decisions.

The future of the proposed area will be guided by a strategic masterplan vision and delivery framework being co-produced with Liverpool City Council, alongside key landowners and stakeholders.

This framework will incorporate existing regeneration initiatives, including housing-led development in the Pumpfields area, ongoing collaboration with businesses in the Ten Streets district, and alignment with Liverpool City Council’s Waterfront Plan to improve connectivity between the city centre and North Docks.

The statutory six-week consultation, which will end at 11.59pm on Friday, 14 August, will provide residents, businesses, landowners and stakeholders with the opportunity to comment on the proposed name, geography, powers and priorities of the MDC.

The consultation can be viewed online here.

People can also ask questions and send comments by email to lcrlistens@liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk or by post to Liverpool North Docks MDC Consultation, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, 1 Mann Island, Liverpool, L3 1BP.

Once complete, feedback will inform the development of a full business case, setting out the strategic, financial, economic, commercial and management case for establishing the corporation.

A report on the results of the consultation will be submitted to both the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Liverpool City Council.

Pending any objections, it is anticipated that Mayor Rotheram would then notify the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government that he will establish a Mayoral Development Corporation in Liverpool North Docks.

Unlocking Strategic Development Priorities Across the District

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, said: 

“Liverpool’s North Docks represents one of the most exciting regeneration opportunities anywhere in the UK.

“It’s a chance to create new homes, attract investment, support new industries and deliver thousands of good-quality jobs for local people.

“But we know the best ideas rarely come from a desk in a town hall or an office block.

“They come from the people who know an area best – who live there, work there, run businesses there and care about its future.

“To make the most of this once in a generation opportunity, we want to hear from residents, businesses, landowners and community organisations across the area.

“We want to build a new future for Liverpool’s North Docks that honours its heritage, unlocks its potential and leaves a legacy that future generations can be proud of.

“I hope anyone with an interest in the success of the area will take the time to have their say and help shape what comes next.”

Mayor Rotheram says the North Docks development area will bring together a series of major regeneration priorities, including:

• Central Docks at Liverpool Waters, including 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 Dock development by Beetham Davos, including the city’s tallest skyscraper.
• A major Grade A office development at Pall Mall, strengthening the city’s Commercial District.
• The conversion of Stanley Dock’s historic warehouse complex into residential and visitor accommodation.
• Expansion of Liverpool Cruise Terminal by Global Port Holdings, targeted for completion by 2028.

Accelerating Investment and Community Centred Growth

Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:

“This consultation marks a really important milestone in shaping the future of Liverpool’s North Docks and the wider waterfront.

“This is one of the largest regeneration opportunities in the country, and it’s vital that local people, businesses and stakeholders have a clear say in how it develops.

“The proposed Mayoral Development Corporation will give us the tools to accelerate investment, deliver new homes and jobs, and create a high-quality, sustainable extension to the city centre.

“But just as important is ensuring that growth is shaped by the needs and ambitions of our communities.

“I would encourage everyone with an interest in the area to take part in the consultation and help shape the next chapter in Liverpool’s regeneration.”

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