Miller’s Quay team praised 'for commitment to local communities'

Described as the single biggest development at Wirral Waters, it will feature 500 highly sustainable one- and two-bedroom waterfront apartments, including 100 affordable new homes, when complete. The first phase of Miller’s Quay is due to open this summer.

Since being appointed as the lead contractor for Miller’s Quay at Wirral Waters early in 2022, GRAHAM, working in partnership with the Wirral Waters development team Peel L&P and a number of other sub-contractors on site, has recorded a number of 'impressive achievements' in relation to its social impact.

Local people are said to benefitted hugely from the employment and training opportunities at Miller’s Quay.

More than 350 students from Wirral Met College’s Construction Campus have had site tours and Q&A’s with senior site staff including the site manager, while a number of students are completing a range of one-week work placements with various contractors employed on the site.

Pictured L-R: Graeme Moffat, Contracts Director at GRAHAM; Cllr Paul Stuart, Leader of Wirral Council; and Richard Mawdsley, Development Director at Wirral Waters. (Image: Peel Waters)

Almost 75% of those working on the construction of Miller’s Quay live within a 25-mile radius.

Through CRE-8, a pre-employment programme aimed at supporting local people into construction jobs, 10 people were placed on jobs across the site in September 2023, with 5 leading to full time employment with a range of sub-contractors. A further 10 people from CRE-8 are onsite in November 2023.

In partnership with Liverpool John Moores University and their Industry Advisory Panel, over 20 construction and project management students have visited the site and had Q&A with the site manager as part of their studies.

Pupils from several Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools on the Wirral have visited the site and taken part in a full site tour.

Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paul Stuart, said: Regeneration is not just new buildings but also the extra benefits it brings to our communities including jobs, investment, education and training opportunities. As a council, we have always been clear that the regeneration work taking place in Wirral now and in the coming years will deliver on every level for the people of Wirral.

"I’m pleased to see the commitment of those carrying out the building work to ensuring it delivers for local workers, students and the surrounding communities."

The Miller’s Quay team has also engaged with and supported the local community in a number of ways: -

Over £10,000 has been donated to Wirral Foodbank, thanks to various fundraising events, including a staff golf day, a Christmas jumper day and an Easter egg hunt. • A team from Miller’s Quay helped nearby St Joseph’s Primary School to remove and replace old seating from the playground.

At Egremont Primary School a team from Miller’s Quay helped to create a new space within the grounds, including seating, a mud kitchen and a bug hotel.

The Miller’s Quay team has formed a partnership with Recipro, a local Wirral organisation which sells discounted decorating and DIY supplies which have been donated by local contractors. A monthly collection from Miller’s Quay ensures that any unused building materials can be used by local people, reducing waste.

The project team has also selected a number of local charities in the Wirral area to support through financial donations.

GRAHAM was pleased to donate to the Tranmere Rovers’ Super White Christmas Appeal, sponsoring its Adult’s Christmas Party and Matchday Experience at Prenton Park in December. The donation provided 70 adults experiencing loneliness, homelessness or those needing some festive cheer with a hot meal, gift set and match ticket.

Miller’s Quay supply chain partners, including FK Facades, Oakleaf, HE Simm and Floor Form, donated to the Come Together Christmas Appeal. The funds raised purchased gas and electricity cards, Tesco food vouchers, and new toys and clothes for families who need a helping hand in these hard times across Liverpool and the North West.

Following an inspection in the summer, Miller’s Quay has also scored full marks (45/45) in the Considerate Constructors Scheme, which covers three main areas - Respect for Community, Care for the Environment, and Valuing the Workforce.

Wirral Waters’ developer, Peel Waters, and its funding partner, Pension Insurance Corporation plc (“PIC”), along with construction firm GRAHAM, Homes England, and Wirral Council have all been instrumental in the delivery of Miller’s Quay.

Wirral Waters is part of Peel Waters, a UK wide portfolio of vibrant and innovative, waterfront developments, delivering large-scale, sustainable regeneration projects, creating jobs, economic growth, new homes and new public realm across the country.

Richard Mawdsley, Development Director, Wirral Waters, said: "GRAHAM has been aligned with us on Miller’s Quay from the very beginning and the positive, long-term impact this development is having is clear to see."

Peter Reavey, Regional Director at GRAHAM, added: We are delighted that the Miller’s Quay development team has been able to support these inspirational local charities that deliver such a positive impact to the Wirral community." 

James Agar, Head of Long Income at Pension Insurance Corporation, said Miller’s Quay was "an outstanding example of what can be achieved by a group of forward-thinking, innovative and committed teams working together with a shared vision."