Creating a vision to transform a semi derelict former ship yard into a new vibrant place was the objective for this large 130 acre site on the Mersey waterfront. The once famous (and recently resurrected) Cammell Laird Shipyard site includes some truly 'heroic scale' structures including the inner dock basin, three Dry Docks and the former Pipe Shop and Sectional Ship Construction Hall. The site benefits from magnificent views of the Liverpool waterfront and skyline.
Site owners, Reddington Finance Ltd, required consideration to be given to the potential phasing of the scheme; retaining the wet basin and dry docks for the ongoing ship repair business was an important consideration in the proposals, allowing flexibility of usage and tenure.
The mixed use proposals prepared by Simon and his team whilst at careyjones architects utilised the grain of the existing structures and overlaid diagonal cut lines which orientate to the world famous 'Three Graces' on Liverpool's Waterfront. The primary cut extends the waterfront towards the back of the site, opening up vistas and providing a strong cohesion to the whole. An extension of the site into the Mersey was envisaged for a final phase, taking advantage of the sites ownership. The new "island" containing workplace, leisure and residential elements included a new Merseyside Park with its orientation being a continuation of the slipway from the Construction Hall.
Uses for the site included a possible Snowdome in the old Construction Hall, retail and educational facilities in the former Pipe Shop and various workplace, residential and industrial units across the site. Linkages to Birkenhead's centre were explored together with the possibility of a new ferry terminal for the famous Mersey Ferries.
The site was sold to the Peel Group in 2007, and the ship repair/building business continues its recent revival once again under the banner of Cammell Laird.
