Funding boost for Birkenhead regeneration project

Hind Street Urban Garden Village, is described by its developers as 'a major transformation project' on the borough, will see derelict land around Hind Street turned into a new community of over 1,500 homes, a new park, improved transport links, commercial space and leisure facilities.

The government’s housing and regeneration agency has agreed a £29million investment in the project, following a £22m commitment from the Combined Authority.

This investment will fund vital infrastructure works needed to unlock the site and deliver the first 633 homes.

The funding approval for Hind Street follows hot on the heels of the establishment of a Strategic Place Partnership (SPP) between Homes England and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, said: "This is really exciting news which marks a significant milestone in our mission to regenerate Birkenhead and the wider Wirral.

"Through our Strategic Place Partnership with Homes England, we’re accelerating transformational projects like Hind Street, turning derelict land into vibrant, sustainable communities that our region deserves.

"With over 1,500 new homes being built, alongside improved transport links and green spaces, this project will serve as a blueprint for the type of regeneration we want to see across the Liverpool City Region - regeneration that not only delivers homes but creates jobs, boosts local businesses, and builds stronger communities".

VLeft to right: Homes England Chief Executive Peter Denton and Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram (Image: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority) Peter Denton, chief executive of Homes England, said: "The funding approved today for Hind Street Urban Village is further evidence of our support for the region and aligns with our mission to work together with the mayor and his team, to develop a pipeline of housing and regeneration development and help the Combined Authority unlock the region’s full potential."

The funding will be used to unlock the Hind Street site and remove what have been described as 'complex barriers to its development', including moving Birkenhead’s gas supply to a new, improved location.

The former Rock Ferry to Bidston Dock railway line will also be brought back to life as Dock Branch Park.

The line, thought to be one of the oldest stretches of track in the world, has been closed since the early 1990s but will be given back to the community and transformed into a ‘linear’ park, providing walking and cycling routes and connecting people to local transport links.

The project is being delivered by Wirral Council in partnership with developers Ion, who have been commissioned to undertake Development Management services including the design of the scheme, the remediation and infrastructure works required and the submission of the planning application. Subject to planning approval, it is expected to start on site in 2025 and complete in 2027.

Councillor Paul Stuart, leader of Wirral Council, said: "This additional funding from Homes England, along with support from the Combined Authority, will really help to accelerate our plans to change this part of Birkenhead for the benefit of local communities.

"I'm pleased our ambitious ideas to transform this key area have this backing, enabling us to get started bringing along new homes, public spaces and better-connected living for our residents.

"Our regeneration strategy looks beyond changes to the built environment to see that in the long term, when regeneration is people-focussed, it reduces inequalities, creates employment opportunities and improves the health and wellbeing of those individuals and families who are making their homes and lives in our borough."