Masterplan reveals details about “Port Wirral”

Jul 27 2011 by Liam Murphy, Bromborough and Bebington News

WIRRAL’S ruling cabinet has demanded that Peel Ports provide more details about its proposal to create a new “Port Wirral” in the south of the borough.

Peel is proposing to invest in new facilities at Eastham to replace those at Ellesmere Port Docks and Runcorn Docks.

The ambitious plans have been largely welcomed by local councillors who said it could create much-needed employment – but have warned it must also respect the Eastham Village conservation area.

Now a council report points out that the development will require planning consent and the potential impacts on local residents will have to be assessed and appropriately mitigated.

Peel Ports have been consulting on their masterplan for its ports operations over the next two decades which the company’s managing director Gary Hodgson described as “ambitious and expansive”.

One of the key proposals in Wirral follows forecasted growth in port traffic and the need for modern, efficient infrastructure.

To meet this increased demand they plan to use the 146 acre site close to Eastham village conservation area to create Port Wirral.

Local councillor Phil Gilchrist said so far there is “not a great deal of detail” but Peel have revealed their “desire to develop land near the QE2 dock”.

He said: “I think people in Eastham expect there to be give and take about future development.”

He also said they hoped Peel would keep “noisier” port works to the Bridgewater site which they own, rather than near housing.

Peel Ports’ plans include a new quay wall and potentially over one million square feet of covered operational floorspace.

Peel is also planning a feasibility study to look at creating a direct link between the QEII Dock and the Manchester Ship Canal via a new cut through .

This would offer the potential for larger vessels to enter the Ship Canal, for example car carriers with linkages to Vauxhall Motors, through the importation of parts/export cars by water.