£21m revamp of docklands landmark shelved

Plans to turn the derelict tower into a Maritime Knowledge hub, as shown in this artist's impression, have been shelved

A £21m docklands revamp has been shelved after a council said it did not have the money for it.

The plans would have seen the derelict Hydraulic Tower at Birkenhead turned into a maritime research centre.

Wirral Council's regeneration committee voted to end negotiations on the scheme, which would have been at the heart of Peel's Wirral Waters plans.

Peel said without the council's support the building was likely to stay derelict for years.

'Reality'

The business case for the development said it could have brought economic benefits of £18m, and created about 275 jobs.

The council had previously said it "backed this project all the way".

Vice-chair of the regeneration committee, Andrew Hodson, said he was "disappointed this decision had to be done," adding "we have to look at the reality that we can’t afford it".

Councillors sought assurances the door would not be closed on negotiations and officers said they would continue to work with Peel.

Director of finance Matthew Bennett said it was "a really exciting proposal" but "unfortunately we have to take into account the council’s current financial position".

Councillors sought assurances the door would not be closed on negotiations and officers said they would continue to work with Peel

The wider Wirral Waters scheme is billed as the largest regeneration project in the UK set to create 13,000 homes and 20,000 jobs.

Richard Mawdsley, development director for Wirral Waters, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he was disappointed by the council’s move.

He said: "We will look at alternative solutions but without the support of Wirral Council, this iconic building may remain derelict for years to come."

At the meeting, councillors also approved several masterplans which outline developments for central Birkenhead and New Brighton, and £4.5m to go towards a revamp of the Wirral Transport Museum.

Plans for Scott’s Quay in Seacombe are set to be reviewed.