The Wirral Growth Company’s masterplan to bring forward the transformation of Birkenhead town centre has been approved by Wirral Council’s planning department
Wirral Growth Company (WGC) is a 50:50 joint venture between Wirral Council and national urban regenerator, Muse Developments, set up to deliver a long-term vision for regeneration, which will improve homes, lives and communities in key areas across the borough.
AHR Architects are master planners for the project, with Barton Willmore acting as planning consultants on behalf of the growth company.
The new master plan for the town centre, which was developed following an extensive period of consultation with the Wirral community, will deliver a highly-accessible central business district with new energy-efficient Grade A office buildings set within extensive public realm and green space.
Wirral Council will occupy part of the new office space as part of its commitment to improving its carbon footprint and reducing occupancy of costly and inefficient buildings within its estate.
Further phases will see a new replacement market that will blend a vibrant food and beverage hall with a thriving traditional market.
This will drive a new daytime and evening economy not seen before in the town, while helping to kick-start the wider regeneration of the Leftbank urban development area with new family homes and apartments.
The central business district is key to unlocking the wider regeneration of Birkenhead town centre, which Wirral Council is progressing through national programmes such as the £25m Future High Streets Fund awarded at the end of last year, and a £45m bid to the Towns Fund scheme.
Following the demolition of Milton Pavements, the first phase of development is anticipated to be on site in the middle of 2021.
A crucial time for Birkenhead
Mike Horner, development director at Muse Developments and a director at Wirral Growth Company, said: “Delivering major programmes of regeneration in our towns and cities takes time and requires a meticulous approach from all partners, to make sure we get things right.
“We’re proud to receive consent on our ambitious master plan and reach the latest milestone in our commitment to repurposing key areas of the Wirral, to drive investment, opportunities and prosperity for all.
“This is a pivotal moment for the partnership as we get ready to start on site in the coming months and realise our collective vision for Birkenhead and the wider Wirral.”
Alan Evans, director of regeneration and place at Wirral Council, added: “The significance of this decision can’t be understated.
“The central business district will provide a catalyst for the rest of the town centre and extend out into the surrounding neighbourhoods and beyond.
“We are grateful to our partners at Muse Developments as part of the Wirral Growth Company for their efforts in securing this important part of Birkenhead’s future.”
