Ambitious plans for a Wirral dock with homes, shops and waterfront are revealed in draft brief

Oct 22 2008 by Matt Hurst, Bromborough and Bebington News

A PORT Wirral could be created at Eastham Docks if ambitious plans for a huge residential development down river are given the green light.

Peel Holdings is proposing to transform 70 acres of land around the Ellesmere Port waterfront, by constructing a mix of almost 8,000 new apartments and houses.

A draft brief has been drawn up by the firm, which is expected to submit an initial planning application in early 2009.

It sees the development as part of a 25 year commitment of investment and the finished product could include landmark 30 storey skyscrapers.

The land is considered to be a key site, near two M53 junctions and with rail links to Liverpool, Chester and potentially Manchester.

Peel Holdings will now enter into five weeks of consultation with Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council and Eastham councillor, Dave Mitchell would like to see that extended to his own ward.

Cllr Mitchell told the News: “As someone who represents a boundary with another authority, it is of great concern what that authority does.”

But Cllr Mitchell says contact has been made with Peel Holdings.

He said: “All three Eastham councillors have asked for a meeting with Peel Holdings to discuss the whole issue, we want to discuss what their whole proposal is for that area. We’ve got to find what they want to do with it and I do know my colleagues are concerned about what has happened in the past.”

Cllr Mitchell said he is “fully in support of Peel Holdings” and has “no objection to job creation, depending on what type of job creation is coming in”.

If the ambitious scheme is given the go ahead, 1,500 homes could be built in the first phase between 2010 and 2017, as well as a new waterfront promenade.

Community resources could also include small convenience stores, crèches, restaurants and play space, alongside health, education and leisure facilities.

Cllr Mitchell added: “I support developing a super port because the growth potential is fantastic, but what we need to see is a detailed development plan for that area.”