LIVERPOOL WATERS - CENTRAL DOCKS

Over 6,000 m³ of Leca® Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LWA) was specified and installed as part of the enabling infrastructure works at Central Docks, Liverpool Waters — one of the UK’s most ambitious waterfront regeneration developments.

Located along the River Mersey, the project is transforming Liverpool’s historic northern docklands into a major mixed-use destination featuring:

•    2,350 new homes
•    Commercial and community spaces
•    A 5-acre central park
•    High-quality public realm
•    New transport and infrastructure connections

Supported through an £81.1 million infrastructure funding agreement between Peel Waters and Homes England, the development represents a major investment in the future growth and regeneration of Liverpool.

FACTS

Amount of material: 6,000m3 of LECA LWA (10-20mm)

Interesting Fact: The installed bulk density of Leca® LWA is approximately only 20% of conventional fill materials — meaning over 6,000 m³ of lightweight aggregate was able to significantly reduce loading on the historic dockland ground conditions while still supporting major infrastructure development.

Delivery Method: Walking Floor

Main Contractor: GRAHAM

The Engineering Challenge

The Central Docks site presented a series of complex geotechnical and environmental constraints associated with historic dockland infrastructure and waterfront ground conditions.

The project required:
•    Extensive remediation and excavation works
•    Safe removal and cataloguing of heritage materials
•    Ground stabilisation to support future infrastructure
•    A lightweight engineered fill solution capable of minimising settlement and improving long-term stability

Given the weak and variable ground conditions adjacent to the River Mersey, traditional fill materials would have imposed significant vertical and lateral loads on the underlying soils and surrounding structures.

Why Leca® LWA Was Specified

Leca® Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate was selected due to its proven performance in geotechnical infrastructure applications where settlement control, load reduction and stability are critical design considerations.

The lightweight aggregate was incorporated within formation and infrastructure layers supporting transport access and future development phases across the Central Docks neighbourhood.

Its installed bulk density is approximately 20% that of conventional fill materials, providing significant geotechnical advantages across challenging dockland conditions.

Helping unlock 2,350 new homes, public realm spaces and major regeneration across Liverpool Waters.

A lightweight engineered solution designed for difficult ground and long-term infrastructure performance.

Efficient excavation and remediation works progressing across the Central Docks development.

Enabling stable infrastructure platforms for future transport access and development phases.

Geotechnical Benefits

Reduced Settlement Risk

The lightweight properties of Leca® LWA significantly reduce stresses imposed on weak and compressible soils, helping minimise both immediate and long-term settlement.

Improved Stability

Lower vertical and lateral loads help improve the stability of embankments, infrastructure platforms and retaining structures in difficult ground conditions.

Multi-Functional Ground Solution

Leca® LWA can simultaneously provide:
•    Lightweight fill
•    Drainage performance
•    Frost insulation
•    Capillary water control
•    Improved bearing capacity

Reduced Ground Improvement Requirements

By reducing dead loads, the use of Leca® LWA can help avoid extensive and costly ground stabilisation measures such as piling, preloading and deep soil treatment.

Supporting Long-Term Regeneration

The Central Docks project demonstrates how lightweight engineered fill materials can support major regeneration schemes where environmental sensitivity, infrastructure resilience and long-term ground performance are key considerations.

As infrastructure works continue to progress, the installation of Leca® LWA is helping create stable, future-ready development platforms capable of supporting the next generation of residential, commercial and transport infrastructure across Liverpool Waters.

Leca® LWA specified to reduce vertical and lateral loads on weak waterfront soils.

Supporting the transformation of Liverpool’s historic northern docklands into a new mixed-use destination.

Lightweight geotechnical fill helping reduce settlement risk across challenging dockland ground conditions.

Over 6,000 m³ of Leca® LWA installed to support major infrastructure works at Liverpool Waters.

Designing for Challenging Ground Conditions

For architects, geotechnical engineers and investors, the Liverpool Waters project highlights the growing importance of lightweight geotechnical solutions in large-scale urban regeneration and infrastructure development.

By reducing settlement risk, improving stability and enabling efficient construction on difficult ground, Leca® LWA continues to provide a proven solution for modern infrastructure projects across the UK.