Work on a controversial waterfront development has begun, bringing an end to a four-year fight between developers and campaigners.
In July 2022, Romal Capital was granted permission to build 330 apartments at West Waterloo Dock following an appeal lodged by the developer. The decision was handed down by the Government’s planning inspectorate after Liverpool City Council ruled against the proposals in January 2022.
A public inquiry was held over the plans last year with the Save Waterloo Dock campaign group and a number of local councillors remaining strongly opposed to the proposed apartments. Campaigners, largely based in homes in the nearby former grain warehouse, said the dock had significant historical importance and should be preserved.
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Liverpool City Council’s original decision cited harm to Waterloo Dock, the development’s impact on a ‘cultural square’ in Liverpool Waters (which will be decreased in size by 11%), and its density of one bedroom apartments – something it said would not attract a diverse mix of tenants, backed up by its renewed ‘Local Plan’ which provides a framework for developments.
However this decision was overturned, paving the way for the works to begin and drawing a close to a four-year fight which saw the size of the proposed development reduced on multiple occasions. Work officially got underway this week, beginning with the infill of West Waterloo Dock – originally designed by celebrated engineer Jesse Hartley.
Speaking to the ECHO, Romal Capital CEO Greg Malouf said “four-and-a-half years of waiting” was now finally over and that “the dream has come true for Liverpool”. He added that the project will open up the dock "for the first time in 50 years” and now has the potential to create a connection with other Liverpool Waters projects such as Everton’s new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.
The build is set to take two-and-a-half years with the apartments joining existing Romal developments in the area. Nearby the new Isle of Man ferry terminal is also under construction.
Kirkdale Cllr Dave Ranratty, who was opposed to the development, said that the battle over Waterloo Dock had “taken it out of people”. He told the ECHO: "The campaigners put a lot of time, effort and resources into it, and went through the public enquiry."
The Save Waterloo Dock Campaign group was largely disbanded shortly after the appeal decision was upheld, according to one former member. A ‘neighbourhoods association’ has since been set up to provide a forum for the developers and local residents to discuss the progress and impacts of the development.
Cllr Hanratty said that it was a "shame" that the dock was to be infilled, noting how the city should be looking to preserve our history, but added that it was time to “draw a line under [the development]” after the four-year stand off.
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