Wirral's east coast plans for £10m development project

Sep 23 2009 by Matt Hurst, Birkenhead News

Rock Ferry

THE post-industrial landscape along Wirral’s east coast, stretching from Rock Ferry to Eastham, will rival Deeside upon completion of a £10 million development project.

The proposals remain very much at an embryonic stage, and no planning permission has yet been sought, but the desire of Rock Ferry’s Royal Mersey Yacht Club to expand and improve its current facilities has prompted Wirral Council to join forces, and announce ambitious redevelopment plans for the much-overlooked Mersey coastline.

From the yacht club to Eastham Country Park, the aim is to improve access to the waterside, and allow residents and visitors to walk around the entire peninsula.

Already, the yacht club has purchased the Admiral pub and hopes to create a clubhouse capable of hosting national and international sailing events.

But plans also extend to refurbishing the pier, and making improvements to the esplanade.

While significant effort will be devoted to linking the communities of Rock Ferry, New Ferry and Port Sunlight with a coastline currently largely blocked by the residue of industry.

Rock Ferry councillor Moira McLaughlin welcomed the news, she said: “These proposals by the yacht club are very exciting and most importantly, deliverable. They will transform the waterfront and open it up both for water based and recreational uses, which will benefit the whole community.