First phase of Birkenhead town centre regeneration completed

The energy-efficient buildings totalling 150,000 sq ft, were handed over to the council from Wirral Growth Company, a 50:50 joint venture partnership between the authority and national urban regeneration specialist and place-maker Muse, which aims to provide local communities with new opportunities and revitalise the built environment through regeneration.

The offices were built by Morgan Sindall Construction and forward-funded by Canada Life Asset Management with £75m investment. Wirral Council will occupy a number of floors in one of the buildings.

Steven Knowles, director of development management, Muse, said: "We're creating real change in Birkenhead town centre through an innovative and ambitious masterplan.

“Phase one has been delivered, while phase two will see the creation a vibrant new market hall for Birkenhead.

“Most importantly, the completion of phase one in this development signals the beginning of a new era of businesses coming together with well-designed workplaces that value the importance of well-being.”

Councillor Paul Stuart, leader of Wirral Council, said: "Our partnership with Muse and Morgan Sindall, through the Wirral Growth Company, has already exceeded our ambitious targets against our employment and skills plan which has made a genuine difference to some of our most disadvantaged residents.

"Specifically, the support provided to our Children and Young People department should be held up as best practice.

Councillor Tony Jones, chair of Wirral regeneration committee, Steven Knowles (Muse) Mick Whitley MP, Paul Stuart (council leader), mayor and mayoress Jerry and Irene Williams and Cllr Jeff Green, leader of Wirral's Conservative group in new office block (Image: Richard Evans / thisisrms)

"It's essential that large scale regeneration projects are so much more than simply ‘bricks and mortar’ – there is much to celebrate with the achievements made here that I hope we can take forward to motivate and inspire others."

Mayor of Wirral, councillor Jerry Williams, said: “The completion of these offices is a great moment in our town’s history, a physical statement of progress with our town centre plans which form part of the wider Birkenhead 2040 Framework, a 20-year plan that will see the creation of new family-friendly neighbourhoods, beautiful green public spaces and parks.

“It will see Birkenhead’s revitalised town centre re-connected with the amazing opportunities along the Mersey waterfront and make the most of the town’s iconic heritage and buildings."

Michael White, head of UK property at Canada Life Asset Management, said: "We are really pleased to have provided the finance for this development which forms part of Wirral Council’s wider regeneration plans in Birkenhead.

"The two office buildings will provide the Wirral with gold standard, modern workspaces which meet the highest standards of energy efficiency."

Richard Potts, Morgan Sindall Construction’s area director for the Liverpool City Region, said: “It’s been an honour for our team to help create two new Grade A offices for Birkenhead and help fulfil this key element of the Council’s vision for the town.

“This is a scheme that will generate long-term growth and prosperity in Birkenhead, and from our appointment to handover we were focussed on ensuring the local community benefited every step of the way. As a result, our work on this brilliant project has resulted in a tangible skills and employment boost for Birkenhead.”