Wirral Waters could deliver a thousand jobs from May 2012

Mar 30 2011 by Matt Hurst, Wallasey News

WIRRAL Waters could deliver a thousand new jobs - outside construction - from next May, according to Peel Holdings’ development manager.

Richard Mawdsley was on the former bustling docklands site on Thursday to mark its designation as an Enterprise Zone by government.

He says plans for the £4.5billion project are ratcheting up, with firm interest from overseas, a new planning application in the offing and the start of 2012 in sight for breaking earth.

Designation as an Enterprise Zone should help these aims progress.

Richard Mawdsley, who was born in Birkenhead and now lives in New Brighton, told the News: “It will make delivery that much easier.

“Big employers are what we need and the Enterprise Zone status means the tax benefits to those interested in occupying space are going to be attractive.”

The key component at this embryonic stage is the two million square foot, international trade centre.

Developing as a joint venture with a Chinese investor, planning permission will be sought in two months.

Richard said: “It could offer a thousand jobs by next May.”

Concern was raised last August when Peel Holdings’ development director, Lindsey Ashworth told a public meeting at the Williamson Art Gallery that no work would start until the recession had ended, despite emphasis by government on a private sector led recovery.

Seven months later, Richard Mawdsley is optimistic progress can be made even if the economic waters remain choppy.

Mr Mawdsley said: “We can’t buck the recession but at the start of 2012, we’d like to be on site.”

Wirral Waters’ designation as an Enterprise Zone should offer impetus in difficult times, and was welcomed by Wirral Council’s ruling Conservative Liberal Democrat administration.

Council leader, Tory Cllr Jeff Green said: “This announcement is another significant step in our efforts to put Wirral, and the Liverpool City Region, on the map as an area of significant opportunity and enterprise.”

And Richard Mawdsley, who says he feels a “great affinity and responsibility” towards the site, added: “There’s an opportunity to do something really big here.”