Wirral planners give go-ahead for the Johnson Foundation plan to convert Birkenhead office building into 24 homes for young people. Tony McDonough reports
Merseyside charity the Johnson Foundation has secured the go-ahead from Wirral Council to provide 24 homes for young people in a former office building.
The foundation will convert Europa House in Birkenhead into 24 one-bedroom units over three floors. There will also be office spaces and communal amenities for residents.
Leading the project team is Pegasus Group with architects at Falconer Chester Hall in Liverpool responsible for the design.
Peter Johnson was the founder of Park Group, a Christmas savings and hampers firm, and thanks to the success of the venture was able to buy controlling stakes in both Tranmere Rovers and Everton football clubs.
Mr Johnson died in January 2024 aged 84 but the foundation he established in 1987 continues to support communities across Liverpool city region. It is particularly committed to helping vulnerable youth in building independent lives, hence the latest Birkenhead scheme.
Kate Eugeni, chairman of The Johnson Foundation said: “We are delighted that we are one step closer to realising this groundbreaking project which will have a profound impact on the Wirral community.
“Falconer Chester Hall architects have designed a residence that will provide a secure environment where young people leaving care can develop independence and confidence.”
Located at the corner of Conway Street and Europa Boulevard, Europa House is close to Conway Park Station and the Mersey Tunnel.
Darren Muir, director of planning at Pegasus Group said: “The site forms part of the Birkenhead Commercial mixed use quarter allocation within the wider central Birkenhead regeneration area in the emerging Wirral Local Plan.
“The re-use of existing buildings is encouraged as a sustainable alternative to demolition and new construction, whilst the consented use as accommodation for young people leaving foster care will contribute to the need for specialist housing in the borough.”
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The project team also includes Curtins as transport consultant, E3P as acoustic consultant, Harley Haddow for M&E services, Orion Fire for fire strategy and Simply CDM for construction design and management.
Martin Haymes, associate director at FCH, added: “The transformation of Europa House will provide much-needed housing and support the area’s broader regeneration.”