Major plans to regenerate Birkenhead being drawn up

Jul 13 2011 by Liam Murphy, Heswall News

MAJOR plans to regenerate one of Wirral’s main shopping areas are being developed.

The proposals – which are at an early stage – could involve an “imaginative” scheme to link Birkenhead town centre with Hamilton Square and Woodside, as well as a new use for the town hall.

Cllr Phil Davies, deputy leader of Wirral council and cabinet member for regeneration, said the authority is in contact with potential developers, seeking options for the area which can be brought into effect within the next five years.

He said “imaginative thinking” was required at what is a key time for the borough, ahead of Peel’s proposed £4.5bn Wirral Waters scheme to develop docklands between Birkenhead and Wallasey.

But he added: “We cannot just wait around for the Peel development to come off. The economy is still in a fragile position. We really want to try and help Birkenhead town centre. It is a key engine economically for Wirral.

“My view is there are issues about the precinct, the Pyramids and around there – it is looking pretty tired and shabby and I understand [owner] Warner is keen to sell it.

“We need to do something more imaginative with Birkenhead Market, which is a potential draw into Wirral for people, and linking that with Hamilton Square and Woodside.

“The stakes were raised by Liverpool One. The danger is if we do not move the town centre up a few levels, Wirral people will spend their money elsewhere. I want to see something which will attract people from Wirral and beyond.

“What that package will look like I am not too sure yet. We want a clear vision for Birkenhead town centre.

“We also need to do something really imaginative with the town hall. We need something to draw people.”

Cllr Davies said Birkenhead had been allowed to be overtaken by shopping centres elsewhere.

Recent years have seen plans for the Europa Boulevard area repeatedly fail to come to fruition, although a new Asda supermarket opening later this year is expected to create 400 new jobs.

He said: “That is the first new development in Birkenhead in years and evidence suggests an operator like that can act as a magnet for businesses.

“Birkenhead needs some imaginative thinking to look at what we can do over the next few years to really start to lift that whole area of Wirral – not just with an unconnected development, but with a clear theme or link.

“There are developers out there who would like to have a go and make something happen, and I think there is a consensus across Wirral – it is not party political.”