Millers Quay at Wirral Waters has been named winner of the ‘Building’ category at The Pineapples Awards, recognising its outstanding contribution to place-making, community impact and design excellence.
The national accolade highlights the £130m waterfront scheme as a benchmark for regeneration-led housing, transforming a former dockland site into a thriving, inclusive neighbourhood.
Award-Winning Regeneration Transforms Wirral Waterfront
Funded by Pension Insurance Corporation and delivered by Peel Waters in partnership with Wirral Council and Homes England, the development has reimagined a long-neglected dockland into a vibrant waterside community.
Designed by Howells and constructed by GRAHAM, Millers Quay delivers 500 highly sustainable one- and two-bedroom homes, with 20% allocated as affordable housing.
Set within a distinctive dockside environment, the scheme reconnects local communities with the waterfront for the first time in over a century.
Richard Mawdsley, Director of Development at Peel Waters, said:
“Winning a Pineapples Award is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved in Millers Quay and a powerful endorsement of what can be achieved through long-term, partnership-led regeneration.
“This is not just a building, it is a catalyst for change – creating new homes, new opportunities and a renewed sense of place for Wirral.”
The Pineapples Awards, run by The Developer in partnership with the Design Council, celebrate projects that combine high-quality design with meaningful environmental and social impact.
Judges described Millers Quay as:
“A catalyst – bringing people, investment and homes to a once-desolate landscape through bold regeneration, striking architecture and extraordinary ambition.”
Sustainability, Jobs and Social Value at the Core
Millers Quay stands out not only for its architectural design but for its far-reaching economic and social benefits.
During construction, the project created more than 1,000 jobs, with £44m invested into local supply chains and 75% of the workforce sourced from within 30 miles of the site.
James Agar, Head of Real Estate Origination at Pension Insurance Corporation, said:
“This Pineapples Award is a powerful recognition that Miller’s Quay is not only a landmark development, but a blueprint for how long-term investment can unlock meaningful regeneration and deliver lasting social value.”
The development has also generated £31m in social value, supporting training and employment opportunities through partnerships with local colleges and universities.
Peter Reavey, Regional Director at GRAHAM, added:
“We’re proud to see Millers Quay recognised with this award win.
“As construction partner, GRAHAM has worked closely with an expert project team to deliver a scheme that reflects the value of genuine collaboration.”
Sustainability is embedded throughout, with all homes achieving EPC B ratings and incorporating air source heat pumps, solar energy systems and sustainable urban drainage features to reduce environmental impact and enhance biodiversity.
Architecturally, the scheme reflects Birkenhead’s maritime heritage through bold, colourful façades and a striking waterfront presence.
Alan McCartney, Partner at Howells, said:
“We’re thrilled that Millers Quay has been recognised with a Pineapples Award.
“Thanks to our exceptional client team, and everyone involved in making the project happen on site.”
He added:
“What we imagined eight years ago is exactly what stands today, and we’re proud to see the quality of the homes completed, and to be a successful part of the transformational legacy continuing at Wirral Waters.”
Each home benefits from natural light and water views, while landscaped courtyards, balconies and dockside walkways encourage wellbeing and community interaction.
The success of Millers Quay is already driving further investment across Wirral Waters, supporting new residential, leisure and employment opportunities and reinforcing the area’s transformation into a dynamic, mixed-use destination.
Peter Reavey added:
“Millers Quay sets a benchmark for meaningful regeneration, providing much-needed, high-quality homes while prioritising sustainability and creating a strong sense of place for the community that will benefit the region for generations to come.”
