Green light for next stage of North Docks regeneration plan

Liverpool’s North Docks are set to undergo a significant transformation, following unanimous support from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority for the next phase of plans to establish a dedicated Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC). This marks a major advancement towards unlocking the potential of one of the city’s largest brownfield sites.

Mayor Steve Rotheram is now preparing to formally request that the Secretary of State authorizes the creation of the Liverpool North Docks MDC. The corporation would be tasked with uniting the necessary powers, partnerships, and investments to accelerate regeneration efforts. It aims to address persistent challenges such as fragmented land ownership, infrastructure limitations, and complex delivery mechanisms that have hindered progress in the area.

Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “This is a hugely important moment for Liverpool and for the future of our waterfront.” He highlighted that the North Docks represent an exceptional regeneration opportunity at a national level. The MDC would help maximize the social, economic, and environmental benefits of the waterfront, reinvigorating an internationally renowned area to benefit local residents. He further noted the importance of collaboration between the Combined Authority, communities, and private sector to create new homes, jobs, and improved connectivity, extending the city center sustainably and linking to northern Liverpool.

The proposed plans project the creation of up to 17,000 new homes along with millions of square feet of commercial and employment space, enhanced public amenities, green areas, and significant infrastructure upgrades. The North Docks area stretches from the city center waterfront to Everton FC’s Hill Dickinson Stadium and is already the focus of billions of pounds in existing and planned investment. Due to the complexity of the site, a coordinated, long-term approach is essential, which the MDC is designed to provide. This dedicated body would focus on overcoming stalled developments, aligning investment, and fostering the conditions necessary for new housing, employment, and business growth.

This decision follows a six-week public consultation conducted earlier this year, where 85.2% of respondents supported the establishment of the MDC. Mayor Steve Rotheram acknowledged the area’s vast potential, saying, “Anyone who knows Liverpool knows just how much potential there is in the North Docks.” He explained that the obstacles faced have been related to the complexity of aligning numerous landowners, infrastructure elements, and investments, challenges the MDC is intended to address. He also stressed the importance of maintaining affordable housing, efficient transport, respect for heritage, transparency, and community involvement in the redevelopment process.

Alongside the MDC plans, an enhanced delivery partnership is being finalized between the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Homes England. This collaboration will feature a Joint Delivery Unit, bringing together expertise and resources to expedite major regeneration, housing, and infrastructure projects across the region. This partnership is expected to strengthen the region’s capacity to manage complex developments and coordinate investment effectively.

The North Docks already include a substantial portfolio of regeneration initiatives, such as the Central Docks development at Liverpool Waters with substantial government and private investment, the proposed £1 billion King’s Liverpool project, a new Grade A office development at Pall Mall, ongoing work at Stanley Dock, investments in Liverpool Cruise Terminal, and Everton FC’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium and its surrounding regeneration. The MDC aims to bring these projects together within a unified, long-term strategy.

The public consultation held between July and August 2026 received 537 responses, reflecting strong backing for the MDC, its role as the Local Planning Authority for major developments, and the proposed boundaries. Respondents also voiced priorities around governance, transport, heritage preservation, affordable housing, and meaningful community engagement. Subject to the remaining statutory approvals and the Secretary of State’s consent, the Liverpool North Docks MDC will be established as Liverpool’s focal body for regeneration, with further work planned on governance and operational structures before functions are transferred. This initiative forms part of a broader city-region strategy to integrate housing, transport, infrastructure, and investment in a comprehensive approach to regeneration

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