Two planning applications have been submitted to Wirral Council that could collectively deliver £4 million of investment into the sporting futures of young people in Wirral.

Birkenhead School is seeking outline planning permission for 33 high-quality four-and-five bedroom houses at Noctorum Field which is a private redundant school playing field off Noctorum Road.

The capital from sales will be reinvested into the school’s sports hall, Old Parkonians and Prenton Rugby Clubs and further expansion to the school’s transformational bursary programme.

Headteacher, Paul Vicars said: “Noctorum Field is an under-used asset that has the potential to provide Birkenhead School with a lasting legacy that will significantly improve the local sports facilities on offer for young people from across the Wirral.

Wirral Globe: The new sports facilities will also feature rooms for fitness activities, meetings and eventsThe new sports facilities will also feature rooms for fitness activities, meetings and events

“Without the sale of Noctorum Field with planning permission for residential use, our broader ambitions will simply not be realised.

“We hope both applications will be judged on their individual merits and that Wirral Council recognise the once-in-a-generation opportunity that they represent for young people in the borough.”

The school is also seeking permission to upgrade its existing sports hall and add an additional multi-sports facility to its Bidston Road campus.

The expansion and improvements mean that pupils, local sports groups and the community can continue to benefit from school’s sports facilities and satisfy their growing range of activities available.

Paul added: “We have an exciting vision for Birkenhead School. We have now reached a key milestone following consultation with the local community in 2020 and earlier this year; and I’m pleased that over 70% of responses to our January consultation supported our vision to invest in new sporting facilities.

“Sport, and the benefits to mental health and physical fitness, are key parts of our wide co-curricular programme, which provides an important balance alongside a demanding, but inspiring academic programme. 

“We continue to grow as a School and are passionate about the opportunities these new facilities will provide for our students and the local community more broadly.”