Resort revamp back on agenda

Aug 9 2006 By Liam Murphy, Daily Post

PLANS for the £75m redevelopment of New Brighton could be given a new lease of life despite rejection by the Government, it emerged last night .

A meeting yesterday between objectors to the controversial waterfront scheme and those who had backed it appeared to have agreed some compromises.

A statement about the meeting is due to be released later this week but early indications are that an alternative scheme may be brought forward with crucial changes.

It is expected that New Brighton's marine lake will be preserved instead of filled in under the new plan, and a serious question mark hovers over a supermarket remaining part of the project at all.

Cllr Pat Hackett, Wirral's cabinet member for regeneration, said it had been a "fantastic meeting" and he was hopeful that a new scheme could be in place within six months to a year.

He said "nothing had been ruled out" but he said he needed to discuss with developers Neptune - who were not present yesterday - what options would be viable.

Cllr Hackett said: "In light of the Government's decision the whole landscape has changed. People are talking to each other now and there is a recognition that we need to chart a way through.

"But we need to move with something that is feasible within the funding that is available."

He said there was a consensus on some points which all had agreed at yesterday's meeting.

Cllr Hackett said: "This is a golden opportunity and it's concentrated many people's minds, particularly those who wanted to see regeneration of some kind in New Brighton.

"But there is also a recognition that there is a commercial element to this. New Brighton was built on commercial enterprise - it was people who wanted to make a profit who built the things, like the tower and ballrooms, which made New Brighton famous."

Leslie Parker-Davies, chairman of the New Brighton Heritage Action Group, which led opposition to the project proposed by Liverpool-based Neptune, said he was pleased with the outcome of the meeting.

He said: "It's my view that we have had a constructive exchange of ideas, and I get the feeling that there is a real desire to get on with things from most people."

Neptune had been chosen by Wirral council as its "preferred developer" for the scheme and has worked on it for the last five years.

The scheme rejected by the Government included building a new marine lake and model boating lake, 143 flats, an outdoor Lido, a new restaurant/wine bar quarter, the renovation of the Floral Pavilion, mixed leisure and recreation areas, a new food superstore, petrol station and car parking.

The most contentious element of the plan was the proposal to fill in the Marine Lake to build a Morrisons supermarket and large apartment block.

Tony Jones, of New Brighton Community Association, said: "The regeneration of New Brighton is firmly back on the agenda.

"Nothing definitive was agreed but I got the impression the views to the Fort and Lighthouse would remain uninterrupted. With regard to the supermarket there was no decision taken."

Neptune managing director Steve Parry said he was "mystified by a planning decision that is in direct conflict with the views of English Heritage and CABE" but would take account of the decision and begin working on a deliverable scheme.

He said: "Neptune has a development agreement with Wirral Council and we will consult closely with the council and all local stakeholders in finding a way forward.

"Our aim is to devise a scheme that can achieve the broadest possible degree of local support. This could be a positive opportunity to unite groups in New Brighton and move the town forward."