Wirral Council reveals £73.5m development plans for borough

The view of new residential space from Europa Boulevard could look like this under the plans

A council has revealed its plans for a £73.5m redevelopment of its area over the next few years.

Wirral Council plans to refurbish a former Birkenhead shop unit, redevelop New Ferry town centre and create a mental health hub and public spaces.

The local authority recently sent a plan to the government for approval.

If approved, it will allow the council to take part in a government trial giving it greater control over how it spends public money on regeneration.

Council leader Paul Stuart previously said taking part in the pilot would "help reduce bureaucracy and give greater ability to make decisions locally".

The authority said 23 projects across the borough were on track to be delivered by 2026.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said two projects were also subject to substantive change, including the £14m proposals for Birkenhead Market.

The original plans for a brand new market was now "a longer term proposal", the council said.

The council intends to create new walking and cycle lanes on Conway Street and Europa Boulevard

It said plans for a transport museum within the new Dock Branch park, currently costed for about £6m, will also be reviewed as "increasing costs mean that this project is unlikely to progress in its current location".

Various projects were also outlined for future spending, including £3.8m allocated towards a wellbeing hub run by the Open Door mental health charity which will provide "a vibrant and accessible environment where children, young people and families can access services".

The council said £1.3m will be spent reusing floor space at Egerton House and more than £1m on a music skills venue for young people at Future Yard.

There are also plans to spend £1.4m for a creative hub on Argyle Street, £1.7m on a sustainability centre, £2m on developing a new public space around the Seacombe Ferry Terminal and Eureka! centre and £3m on improving Hamilton Square with "landmark lighting" and public art.

More than £3m will also be spent rejuvenating New Ferry more than six years after an explosion tore through the town centre destroying multiple buildings.

In Woodside, £376,000 will be spent on the ferry village, £7.9m on a new ferry landing stage, £2.7m on a new U-boat museum, £4.1m on bus station improvements and £4.6m to improve the gyratory for pedestrians and active travel.

Almost 200 new residential units will also be created using £3.3m in Birkenhead town centre with £3.7m will going towards new cycle lanes and improvements nearby and a further £2.7m going towards improving the Charing Cross junction and Grange Road.