Millers Quay at Wirral Waters has won the Building category award at The Pineapples, recognising the project’s contribution to community, quality of place and architectural excellence.
Backed by Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC) and delivered by waterside regeneration specialist Peel Waters in partnership with Wirral Council and Homes England, the £130m project has turned a former dockland into a lively, inclusive waterfront neighbourhood. The scheme was designed by Howells and built by GRAHAM.
Run by The Developer in partnership with the Design Council, The Pineapples celebrate places that combine design quality with tangible social and environmental benefits. The Building category rewards completed schemes that add meaningful value to their wider locale and the people who live and work there.
The development delivers 500 highly sustainable one- and two-bedroom homes, 20% of which are affordable, reconnecting local communities with the waterfront for the first time in more than a century.
Drawing on Birkenhead’s maritime heritage, the design introduces bold, colourful façades and a striking waterside profile that helps establish a new local identity. Homes are oriented for natural light and water views, while generous balconies, landscaped courtyards and dockside walkways encourage neighbourly interaction and support wellbeing.
The project’s social and economic outcomes are substantial: over 1,000 jobs were supported during construction, £44m was spent with local supply chains, and 75% of the workforce came from within 30 miles. It has generated £31m in social value and provided training and employment pathways through partnerships with local colleges and universities.
Sustainability measures include EPC B ratings for all homes, air source heat pumps, solar energy systems and sustainable urban drainage features, reducing environmental impact and enhancing biodiversity.
The success of Millers Quay is catalysing further investment across Wirral Waters, unlocking new residential, leisure and employment schemes and accelerating the area’s evolution into a vibrant mixed-use waterside district.
In their citation, the judges described Millers Quay as “a catalyst – bringing people, investment and homes to a once-desolate landscape through bold regeneration, striking architecture and extraordinary ambition.” They praised the challenges overcome in delivering the scheme, highlighted its commitment to local training and employment, and recognised the powerful signal it sends for the future of the area. What was once an empty site, they noted, is now a busy, lived-in place.
Millers Quay triumphed ahead of a strong shortlist comprising Amazon Property’s Loveday Belgravia; Rollalong’s Demonstration Modular Home across Newham, Havering and Camden; Manchester Metropolitan University’s Science and Engineering building; Related Argent and L&Q’s Brent Cross Plot 12 202; and Concord London’s Marylebone Square.
Richard Mawdsley, Director of Development, Wirral Waters at Peel Waters, said: “Winning a Pineapples Award is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved in Millers Quay and a powerful endorsement of what can be achieved through long-term, partnership-led regeneration. This is not just a building, it is a catalyst for change – creating new homes, new opportunities and a renewed sense of place for Wirral.
“Millers Quay demonstrates how thoughtful design, strong collaboration and a commitment to social value can come together to deliver something truly transformative. We are incredibly proud of the role it is playing in reshaping Wirral Waters.
James Agar, Head of Real Estate Origination at PIC, said: “This Pineapples Award is a powerful recognition that Millers Quay is not only a landmark development, but a blueprint for how long term investment can unlock meaningful regeneration and deliver lasting social value. Throughout construction and since completion, the project has created significant local employment, supported ongoing skills development, and generated vital cashflow for the surrounding economy, schools and businesses. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when forward thinking, innovative and committed partners work together with a shared vision.
“PIC remains committed to backing developments that provide the secure, long term cashflows needed to pay the pensions of our current and future policyholders, while helping communities to thrive. This award reinforces the importance of that mission and the impact that responsible, partnership led investment can and does deliver.”
Peter Reavey, Regional Director at GRAHAM, said: “We’re proud to see Millers Quay recognised with this award win. As construction partner, GRAHAM has worked closely with an expert project team to deliver a scheme that reflects the value of genuine collaboration.
“Millers Quay sets a benchmark for meaningful regeneration, providing much-needed, high-quality homes while prioritising sustainability and creating a strong sense of place for the community that will benefit the region for generations to come.”
Alan McCartney, Partner at Howells, said: “We’re thrilled that Millers Quay has been recognised with a Pineapples Award. Thanks to our exceptional client team, and everyone involved in making the project happen on site. What we imagined eight years ago is exactly what stands today and we’re proud to see the quality of the homes completed, and to be a successful part of the transformational legacy continuing at Wirral Waters.”
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