A SPECTACULAR tower development is set to revolutionise Wirral waterfront and rival some of the grandeur of Liverpool's world-famous skyline.

Four leading Merseyside developers have been selected to submit designs for the prestigious redevelopment of Rosebrae - the site of the former Great Western ship repair yard almost opposite to Liverpool Pier Head.

The announcement of the preferred developer - Urban Splash, Neptune-/Countryside Developments, Iliad/CTP Property and Felton Development/Ethel Austin Investments are all in the frame - should coincide with the release of Wirral Waterfront's master plan to revamp the whole of the Woodside area of Birkenhead.

Waterfront executive manager David Ball said: "Woodside, including Rosebrae, presents a phenomenal opportunity for major waterfront development. We are working with our partners to maximise investment opportunities there.

"We are looking for an iconic development - some sort of tower - to complement the world heritage site on the Liverpool bank and to bring some clear landmark to the Wirral waterfront."

One of the short-listed developers will be selected to work with Pierhead Housing to develop the six-acre Rosebrae site with a mix of leisure, residential and commercial developments and open space.

The aim is to make Pierhead Prospect a destination in its own right as well as providing local jobs and investment in the area.

Graham Coslett, chief executive of Pierhead Housing, said: "The location is one of the most exciting and significant development opportunities on Merseyside; it is strategically important for the continuing economic growth of Birkenhead, its surrounds and the Liverpool city region."

He added: "We are delighted to be in the final stages of our competition between such prominent local developers and we are eagerly looking forward to considering each developer's submissions. We hope that by the New Year we will be steaming ahead with a truly exciting and outstanding development that will enhance the Wirral skyline."

Louise Hopkins, director of Mersey Waterfront, said: "The Pierhead Prospect site is arguably one of the best locations in the country and has huge potential for development. It already benefits from a dynamic and animated seascape with unrivalled views of Liverpool's world heritage site."