Several big regeneration plans in Wirral are set to move forward next year, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

A number of towns in the east of the borough are set to benefit from major investment as a result.

Here’s what’s happening in each area.

Birkenhead

Perhaps the most talked about regeneration plan in the borough has been the one in Birkenhead.

The project, which will be delivered over several phases throughout the next 15 years, aims to reduce the number of vacant units, while overhauling the town’s office space and leisure facilities.

Plans put forward by Wirral Growth Company,a 50:50 joint venture between Wirral Council and urban regenerator Muse Developments, include new food and drink offerings and retail outlets, aiming to make Birkenhead a more attractive place to be in the evening.

In particular, it is hoped the proposal will revitalise Birkenhead town centre to the north of the Pyramids Shopping Centre.

Flexible outdoor spaces for activities and events are also part of the plans, as is improved pedestrian, cycling and public transport access.

Recently, PP O’Connor was awarded the contract to demolish Milton Pavements and clear the site of the former B&M stores by Wirral Growth Company.

PP O’Connor’s team has been on site since the start of December and its demolition work will pave the way for the first phase of the Birkenhead Masterplan, which includes a business district boasting top quality office buildings set within public open and green space.

New Ferry

After being devastated by a gas explosion in March 2017, New Ferry could be given a new lease of life in 2021 as plans to revive the town are moving forward.

In September, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that across three sites, including the Bebington Road shop where the explosion happened, up to 79 homes and more than 1,000 square metres of retail space will be delivered.

The 79 homes will be a mixture of two and three-bedroom houses and one and two-bedroom apartments.

As well as the site of the explosion itself, the site opposite the former Homes in Style store where many buildings were damaged beyond repair will be redeveloped.

The third area to be overhauled incorporates a block of largely derelict and disused retail units along New Chester Road, as well as part of a council-owned car park on Woodhead Street that backs onto the explosion site.

One popular business destroyed by the explosion was Griffiths’ butchers, at 68-72 Bebington Road, which was directly opposite the blast site.

In terms of progress, to ready the site for redevelopment, the butchers needs to be demolished and it is understood that process is nearly complete.

The local authority has now cleared the explosion site itself ready for development and Wirral Council will be looking to market the site to interested parties, which will be the first step of the wider regeneration programme for New Ferry.

It is understood that the council also wants to buy more of the privately-owned empty properties on New Chester Road, using a Compulsory Purchase Orders if necessary.

New Brighton

A regeneration plan for New Brighton will also be produced.

One of the key proposals is the development of a new lido, an outdoor swimming pool combined with health, wellbeing and community facilities, which is being put forward for Wirral and could be located in New Brighton.

Other parts of the plan will look at access to and around the town, and facilities for walking, cycling, transport and parking.

The consultation on the plans will start in the spring or summer of next year, with the plan to be finalised towards the end of summer.

Wirral Council said the proposals will set out a vision for New Brighton as a “unique, healthy and special place to live, visit and do business”.

Liscard

A plan to overhaul Liscard is also being drawn up.

Early next year, proposals to change retail and residential areas will be considered by Wirral Council.

One proposal is to improve the road network and one-way system, with scope to provide more space for walking, cycling and better public transport, as well as earmarking potential sites for new housing development in the town centre to create a renewed ‘urban village’.

People will also be asked for their views on ideas such as a complete redesign of Liscard Way with new paving, better lighting, modernised street furniture, more greenery and the possibility of a new civic square.

The plan will also aim to support a community hub, a focal point for local people to meet.