Liverpool City Council has approved the legal agreements needed to bring forward a multi-million-pound regeneration scheme at Festival Gardens, clearing the way for construction to begin on a new neighbourhood of approximately 800 homes on the south Liverpool waterfront.
Urban Splash Development and igloo have been selected as the preferred development partners following a competitive procurement process. The agreement represents a major milestone for one of the city's most significant housing-led regeneration projects.
Site remediation and readiness
The Festival Gardens site has been earmarked for redevelopment for years but faced significant environmental and contamination challenges. Extensive remediation and enabling works were completed in January 2024 through funding from Homes England, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Liverpool City Council, leaving the site ready for development.
Housing mix and phased delivery
The proposals include a mix of market and affordable housing designed to create a thriving, sustainable and inclusive neighbourhood. Up to 441 homes are expected in the first phase, with the remainder delivered across subsequent phases as construction progresses.
The housing offer will include affordable and shared ownership options, homes for rent and sale, co-housing and later living accommodation to suit people of all ages and backgrounds.
Sustainability and environmental commitments
The development partners have committed to ambitious sustainability targets, biodiversity net gain measures and low-carbon construction approaches to support Liverpool's wider environmental ambitions. Work on biodiversity audits and long-term strategy has already commenced, undertaken in close collaboration with Natural England, Mersey Forest and United Utilities.
Design and community integration
The new neighbourhood draws on the legacy of the 1984 International Garden Festival, combining nature, design and an inclusive mix of homes. The scheme will use igloo's award-winning Footprint® methodology to ensure a place-based approach that considers local needs, stakeholder aspirations and resource conservation.
The development will be set in generous landscape and green space connected to the river. It will also benefit existing residents in the St Michaels area with improved connections to the waterfront and additional local amenities.
Next steps
The development partners will now begin the next stage of design work, consultation and business planning before submitting a planning application. Phased delivery of homes will follow.