Liverpool’s waterfront may undergo a massive overhaul that could be bigger than the revamp of the Albert Dock, it has been revealed.
The ‘Waterworld’ project could see up to 50 hectares of the south docklands developed by Peel Ports and will include floating restaurants, hotels, a water park as well as sculptures. This scheme is the first of its kind since the Albert Dock was regenerated in the 1980s, and architectural firm BACA has been asked to develop blueprints for the project.
The Albert Dock is said to be the most visited multi-use attraction outside of London and thanks to the redevelopment is one of the most successful tourist attractions in Europe. The regeneration of the South Docks will be in keeping with what the city has been trying to achieve in the past few years, with the Echo Arena and other nearby attractions revitalising the central docks.
There is no indication yet as to how much the scheme is going to cost, but it will run into millions of pounds, and a recent council report that will be put before the cabinet has encouraged the plans to be put into action.
The report states: “Development should attract and retain visitors and deliver economic activity that will add value to the wider area. At the same time, it should also provide a pleasant neighbourhood for existing and future residents making the docks’ water space riverfront accessible to the local community.”
Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, said: “These are exciting proposals which will play an important part in the future development of the south docks. The city’s waterfront is one of our greatest assets and we want to develop it to its full potential. This strategy lays out the blueprint for how, working together, we can achieve that.”
With Peel Ports’ £300 million Liverpool Two development being put into action on the north docks and the central docks already being revitalised, the potential for Liverpool’s waterfront to be great again is looking healthy.