Peel Land and Property (Ports) Limited has submitted a planning application that will create a new grand entrance into Princes Dock from Bath Street.

If the application is successful, this new opening in the dock boundary wall will make Liverpool Waters much more accessible and provide connectivity for those in the city centre and north Liverpool, whilst reducing traffic and pedestrian congestion through the existing entrances.

This new gateway will also make it easier for construction traffic to enter Princes Dock with minimal disruption to business and leisure users when construction on the three new residential apartment buildings commence early in the New Year.

Due to the historic importance of the dock boundary wall, discussions have been ongoing throughout the development of this landmark with a number of consultants and stakeholders including Historic England and Liverpool City Council to ensure this proposal has a positive effect on the site’s world heritage status.

This news is the latest in a series of major announcements regarding the £5 billion Liverpool Waters development as the project moves into its delivery stage. 2017 has seen many improvements to the masterplan for Central Docks unveiled, significant progress on plans for the new Liverpool Cruise and Isle of Man ferry terminals, planning permission being granted for the first development within Central Docks and Everton Football Club continuing positively with talks with Liverpool Waters to make Bramley-Moore Dock the club’s new home as they finalise plans to relocate from Goodison Park.

Paul Grover, associate director at Arup, said:

“The proposed new opening in the dock boundary wall will improve access to Princes Dock, the waterfront and the future developments around this prominent area including the new cruise liner terminal. As the area continues to develop, the high-quality finish to this new entrance will encourage pedestrian and vehicular visitors to the new amenities from the city to the waterfront.”

Ian Pollitt, assistant project director at Liverpool Waters, said:

“For this application, it was paramount that we consulted with our partners and stakeholders from the very beginning, to ensure that the important historical nature of the boundary wall was maintained and preserved for future generations. Working closely with Historic England and Liverpool City Council highlights our commitment to maintaining the current appearance of the wall, whilst making Liverpool Waters much more convenient and accessible for those living and working in the city centre.”