The announcement came last month precisely as the themed conference at seawork2003 discussed Waterside Development and Leisure, focusing on the opportunities for land owners, developers and contractors alike in just such projects.

Mersey Docks, which owns most of Central Docks, and English Partnerships, who also own a part of the site, are working together to secure the comprehensive regeneration of 22 hectares of development land set around dock basins which stretch for 1.7 km from Princes Half Tide Dock in the south to Bramley Moore Dock in<$>the north.

The outline planning application was accompanied by a Master Plan and Development Strategy document illustrating the full potential of the scheme, which was approved subject to the agreement of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office.

The Central Docks site is a continuation of Liverpool’s Princes and Waterloo Docks, where Mersey Docks has initiated major redevelopment involving offices, retail and residential property.

Meanwhile, Mersey Maritime, a new organisation comprising representatives of some 500 Merseyside maritime companies, has announced plans to create a two day conference, trade fair, exhibition and dinner aimed at creating an international focus on the region’s maritime sector and its contribution to regeneration.

The first ever international maritime conference to be held in Liverpool would coincide with the annual Mersey River Festival either next year or in 2005.

John Mutch, chief executive of Mersey Maritime, said, ‘It is our aim to create a world class global event in Liverpool which addresses the themes and concerns of urban regeneration in maritime cities and how cities and modern maritime industries can work hand in hand.’

MJ Information No: 18416