For over 10 years now Engage has been bringing residents from across the Waterfront together to discover what they can expect to see in their neighbourhood this year. We have been generously hosted by ACCL at Kings Dock, which is rebranding in April as Liverpool Experience Campus (LEX).

This year 9 different organisations came to meet the residents and present their activities and events for 2026:

• NML JUSTINA HESLOP Waterfront Transformation Portfolio Manager, Major Projects Team, National Museums Liverpool
• CRT JAMES LONG Engagement Manager Canal & Rivers Trust
• BID SHAUN HOLLAND Director of Operations Liverpool BID Company
• CULTURE LIVERPOOL ANGIE REDHEAD Head of Operations Culture Liverpool
• ROYAL ALBERT DOCK SEAN MORRISON CBRE, Estate Manager and Associate Director, Royal Albert Dock
• TATE JEMIMA PYNE Head of Audiences TATE Liverpool Tate Liverpool presentation 24.02.26
• ACCL KERRY VILLA Chief Operating Officer ACC Liverpool Group
• LIVERPOOL WATERS CHRIS CAPES Director of Development for Liverpool Waters This is Liverpool Waters. 24.02.26.pptx
• MERSEY FERRY IAN HAYMAN Marine Operations Manager Mersey Ferries

We had apologies from LIVERPOOL CRUISE PORT JOHN MAWER General Manager Liverpool for Global Ports Holding, who was unavailable and THE PADEL CLUB  KRIS BALL was unable to attend to showcase their proposed development in Brunswick Dock. We also tried very hard to find someone to speak about the Liverpool Waterfront Vision, a masterplan for the area, which was delivered by BDP and West 8, and now resides with Liverpool City Council. Sadly no-one was able to reply to our emails requesting their participation at our annual meeting and update residents on where the Vision document is now at and what we could expect to see happening this year.

If there are other organisations that residents would like to hear from please let us know.

The venue was full on the night and we had over 130 people register for the meeting. The atmosphere was very warm and welcoming and as all our events are, respectful and courteous. Each presenter gave a specific insight into their plans for 2026 but watching them all together one after the other was just extraordinary. The overwhelming sensation was stunning. I don’t think anyone grasps the full extent of all that is taking place on Liverpool’s Waterfront. It looks as if we should extend our annual meeting to a full 2 hour programme as the current time limit of 90mins is no longer sufficient

FULL REPORT FROM A BOARD MEMBER: 

Engage Liverpool hosted its 2026 Waterfront Residents Meeting at ACC Liverpool, bringing together over 90 residents (though more had registered),  businesses and stakeholders to hear about the major projects, cultural events and regeneration plans shaping Liverpool’s waterfront and city centre over the coming year. 

The evening showcased the scale of ambition across the waterfront, with speakers outlining significant investment in heritage, public spaces, culture, infrastructure, sustainability and community-focused activity. 

Key Messages & Announcements 

National Museums Liverpool – Project Works on the Waterfront
Justine Heslop outlined major refurbishment works at the International Slavery Museum, led by National Museums Liverpool. Over 2,000 objects and 27,000 archive pieces will be carefully decanted ahead of internal works starting in March 2026. Improvements include a temporary dam at Canning Quay, a new quayside bridge, dry dock restoration and the creation of new public walkways and heritage spaces. 

Canal & River Trust – Docks, Access & Blue Flag Status
James Long highlighted ongoing dock maintenance, public realm upgrades and ambitions to grow waterside events and volunteering opportunities, led by the Canal & River Trust. Blue Flag status across the docks will be reassessed in 2026, alongside improvements to cycling access, South Ferry Quay and the Canning River entrance. 

Liverpool BID – Supporting Local Businesses
Shaun Holland shared how Liverpool BID Company continues to support 865 city centre businesses, delivering added-value services including street cleaning, wellbeing sessions, public seating, and major seasonal campaigns such as Must See Month, Restaurant Week and Spring in the City. 

Culture Liverpool – Major Events Programme
Angie Readhead unveiled a packed cultural calendar from Culture Liverpool, including the Half Marathon, River of Light expansion, Armed Forces Day, Liverpool Pride, and Christmas animations. Looking ahead, Liverpool will host major international moments including the Tour de France in 2027, UEFA events in 2028, and a big celebration in 2028 marking 20 years since Capital of Culture. 

Royal Albert Dock – Public Realm & Placemaking
Sean Morrison outlined future placemaking at Royal Albert Dock, including greener landscaping, new event spaces, enhanced wayfinding, social seating and sustainable waste management — all aimed at improving the visitor and resident experience. 

Tate Liverpool – Major Refurbishment
Jemima Pyne updated attendees on the £50m transformation of Tate Liverpool, reopening in 2027 with a new waterfront entrance, improved accessibility, low-carbon heating systems and enhanced public spaces. Temporary exhibitions continue at RIBA North, Mann Island. 

ACC Liverpool – Liverpool Experience Campus
Kerry Villa revealed the rebranding of ACC Liverpool as the Liverpool Experience Campus, delivering a major upgrade to hospitality, public realm and event programming in partnership with Liverpool City Council and global venue operator OVG. 

Liverpool Waters – Central Docks Regeneration
Chris Capes presented progress on Liverpool Waters, including new infrastructure, green space, public parks, pedestrian routes, sports facilities and 20% affordable housing, alongside major skills and apprenticeships programmes. 

Mersey Ferries – New Royal Daffodil
Ian Hayman confirmed that the new Royal Daffodil ferry from Mersey Ferries is nearing completion, offering fully accessible, low-emission leisure cruising and event capabilities, expected to enter service by autumn 2026. 

A Strong Year Ahead for Liverpool’s Waterfront 

The event demonstrated the strength of collaboration across Liverpool’s cultural, commercial and regeneration partners, with a shared commitment to improving quality of life for residents, enhancing public spaces, boosting sustainability and celebrating Liverpool’s global profile. 

Engage Liverpool thanked all speakers, attendees, the ACC Liverpool team, and technical support staff for making the evening a success.