A major new cement import facility planned for the North West of England is set to bolster growth in the UK construction sector while advancing the industry's efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

The deep-water terminal, to be built at the former P&O site at Gladstone Dock in Liverpool, is the result of a strategic partnership between Peel Ports Group and Medcem, a leading European supplier of low-carbon cement and cementitious materials.

The significant investment arrives at a pivotal moment for the UK, as the construction sector experiences a resurgence, driven in part by the government's pledge to deliver 1.5 million new homes by the end of the current Parliament. Ensuring a steady and sustainable supply of construction materials is seen as vital to meeting that target.

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Andrew Martin, Group Development Director at Peel Ports Group, said: "Logistics and construction are deeply interconnected, and by creating smarter, more sustainable import hubs like this one, we can help building firms secure the materials they need. Modern ports like ours do far more than handle cargo over the quayside. We offer processing and storage facilities that streamline construction logistics, reduce road freight, and accelerate delivery timelines. This project reinforces Liverpool's role as a base for investment that can drive regional, national and international growth, while opening up new employment opportunities and creating for a sustainable future for the City Region."

Construction on the terminal is scheduled to begin in May 2025, with completion expected by mid-2026. The first phase will include four silos capable of storing up to 45,000 tonnes of cement and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag—essential components in producing low-carbon concrete.

By enabling greater use of SCMs, the terminal is poised to help the UK construction industry reduce its dependence on traditional Portland cement and lower its overall carbon footprint. The 5.75-acre site also allows for future expansion, including increased storage and handling capacity in subsequent phases.