Contractor completes £500,000 demolition of former municipal building making way for an affordable housing project backed by £12m of Government and council funding. Tony McDonough reports
A project to create new affordable housing in Liscard in Wirral has taken a major step forward with the demolition of a former municipal building.
In April LBN revealed Manchester firm J Freeley had secured a £500,000 contract from Wirral Council to knock down the building in Seaview Road. This site is allocated for housing in the council’s brownfield-only Local Plan.
After an initial rejection, Wirral Council successfully secured almost £10.8m of Government Levelling Up funds towards the proposed transformation in 2023. The authority has added a further £1.2m to take the total close to £12m.
This regeneration scheme will provide new affordable housing on this site at Seaview Road in addition to further public realm improvements and improved community facilities in the town centre.
Leader of Wirral Council Paula Basnett said: “It’s fantastic to see real momentum building in Liscard, and now the challenge is to keep driving forward so we can deliver visible, lasting improvements for residents, businesses, and shoppers.
“This regeneration is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about creating a vibrant, welcoming town centre that works for everyone.
“By working closely with the local community, Liscard councillors and stakeholders, we can ensure these plans bring genuine, positive change to people’s daily lives.
A procurement process for the appointment of a development partner to deliver housing on the site is due to start later this year.
Freeley director Michael Freeley added: “We’re proud to have played a role in this significant regeneration project, ensuring the site is ready for its next chapter.
“As well as minimising disruption for the local community, we worked with local subcontractors and recruited locally, including supporting a resident back into work after long-term unemployment.
“We look forward to seeing the momentum build in Liscard and the site transform into new affordable housing.”
A number of community partners are involved in the work to re-imagine the town. The Liscard Together Partnership – a town centre partnership focused on community, place and business – was formally launched in June 2024.