Liverpool canal link, Liverpool
- Client: British Waterways and Liverpool City Council
- Principal designer: Arup
- Principal engineer: Arup
- Principal contractor: Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd
- Contract value: £31 million
About the project
Complex technical challenges and many stakeholders, ranging from planners and archaeologists to land owners and local interest groups, could have made this project a nightmare. However, good communication and project management have delivered an exceptional result.
The new canal link extends from derelict land in the north – now primed for regeneration – through open channels, culverts, basins and locks to the city centre world heritage site. Here, new visitor facilities have been created, notably the new Mersey ferry terminal, with rooftop restaurant, and an area for public events and concerts.
Throughout the length of the canal link high-quality materials have been used, including granite, accurately cut by specialists with the help of 3D software, reducing waste and speeding up production. Local recycled materials were also used wherever possible.
A major challenge was the entrance to Canning Dock. The designers had to tie in the new structure to the existing listed dock and match materials. The conservation officer is delighted with the result and has commended the stone masons.
This project shows that high quality can be achieved when public bodies and private companies work thoughtfully in collaboration.
Judges' comment
"This new canal link joins the Leeds-Liverpool canal to Liverpool’s South Docks, creating a new attraction as part of the city’s world heritage site."