Wirral Council launches programme to inform residents of the multiple multi-million pound schemes to transform Birkenhead and releases new images. Tony McDonough reports
Wirral Council is embarking on a new drive to share details of its masterplans for the regeneration of Birkenhead.
Multiple projects, each worth millions of pounds, are planned or under way in the town which has faced decades of decline. In the past three years the council has received around £20m in what was known as ‘Levelling Up’ funding from the Government.
These masterplans cover the town centre retail area, Charing Cross and the new commercial district – alongside an updated plan for St Werburgh’s, and a progress update on the multi-million pound investment into the Birkenhead Waterfront project.
This aims to better connect the regeneration at Woodside with the other town centre schemes through Hamilton Square and Argyle Street.
In the past week the authority has reaffirmed its ‘brownfield first’ approach to regeneration and is seeking to maximise the prospects for the central Birkenhead area.
There is a focus on attracting more people into the town centre and increasing leisure and residential opportunities alongside boosting new north / south routes and placing an increased emphasis on high quality walking and cycling infrastructure.
Work is already underway to regenerate Birkenhead and locals will be aware of initial public realm and walking / cycling improvements taking place along Europa Boulevard and Conway Street and at Grange Road and Charing Cross.
Completion of two new office buildings located near the bus station and the strategic acquisition of the Pyramids estate in 2023, present a major opportunity for shaping the town’s future.
Design proposals for a new market space have been shared and a £10m project to install a new ferry linkspan and pontoon is also underway at Woodside Ferry Terminal.
Cllr Tony Jones, Chair of the Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee, said: “This is another major step forward in our plans to revitalise the town centre and breathe new life into its business and retail spaces.
“I hope people take the opportunity to look at the proposals and see how we have incorporated comments and suggestions received in earlier rounds of consultation and engagement.”
Proposals for Birkenhead Central include around 1,685 homes, one or two new hotels, a new leisure hub, consolidated retail space, new external event space, and a new swimming pool as part of a Health and Wellbeing Hub.
Following a detailed review of the feedback from the consultations the masterplans will be presented back to committee in early 2025 with a recommendation they are endorsed by councillors and form the basis of planning guidance for future development.
And council is presenting a progress update for Birkenhead waterfront and its surrounding areas (including Argyle Street), which have been updated following feedback from residents and businesses in the earlier design phases.
Five areas included are; Woodside Promenade, Woodside Culture Park (including a remodelled bus turnaround / layover area), Hamilton Street, Hamilton Square and Argyle Street (including Conway Street / Argyle Street roundabout).
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Feedback from residents from earlier phases of consultation have been incorporated into revised design plans. The proposals now include more green space, features that celebrate the area’s heritage and improved street lighting.
Residents can find out more about the proposals and comment on the council’s Have Your Say website – Have your say Wirral.
There are also opportunities to meet the teams and council’s development partners in person and find out more about what is planned.
Birkenhead Central and St Werburgh’s masterplans
Drop in to 8-10 Borough Pavement, Grange Precinct, Birkenhead, on October 10, 11, 12,16 and 17 between 11am and 4pm. There are also opportunities to book a free place at an in-depth presentation or go on a walking tour of the local area.
- Presentation of the plans: Saturday, October12, 12noon – 12.45pm – book a free place https://birkenheadcentraltalk1.eventbrite.co.uk
- Walking tour: Saturday, October 12, 1pm to 2.30pm -book a free place https://birkenheadcentralwalk.eventbrite.co.uk
- Presentation of the plans: Thursday, October 17, 5.30pm to 6.45pm – book a free place https://birkenheadcentraltalk2.eventbrite.co.uk
- On October 24, 25 an 26 between 11am and 4pm the team will also be at the Pyramids Shopping Centre, 150 Borough Road for people to stop by and find out more about the plans.
Birkenhead Waterfront
Residents and businesses can drop into Future Yard, 75 Argyle St, Birkenhead CH41 6AB to discuss plans on:
- Wednesday, October 16 – 3pm to 7pm
- Saturday, November 2 – 10.30am to 3pm