Wirral Council and Neptune Developments have revealed outline plans for the regeneration of Birkenhead town centre.
The first stage of the project, subject to a public consultation, will see the current Europa Pools leisure development demolished and replaced with a restaurants complex. Neptune hopes this will prove attractive for a variety of operators, leading to rising footfall and dwelling time.
This would be further aided by the construction of a new pool and gym complex, to be located on the current public car park on the Europa Boulevard.
Steve Parry of Neptune Developments says; “Our plans, which would see a mix of leisure and retail, are in the final stages of formulation for [a public consultation] and we hope to start within weeks.
“We want to appeal to a wider section of the community – this is about attracting the people who currently do not go to Birkenhead: it’s about giving more Wirral people a reason to spend their money in Wirral and not going elsewhere.
“The aim is also to build a new, greener and more efficient leisure centre which would reduce running costs.”
This first stage of the transformation of Birkenhead is just one small aspect of plans already in the pipeline for the town centre. Last year, Wirral council leader Phil Davies confirmed that redevelopment and regeneration plans were being drawn up for the entire retail and commercial centre of the town, with the council hoping this would attract more retail and business tenants to the area.
Neptune Developments and Wirral Council have already enjoyed great success with a previous scheme in nearby New Brighton, which has seen visitor numbers increase hugely since regeneration works were completed. Although that revamp cost only £60 million, less than the expected Birkenhead regeneration will cost, Councillor Davies believes that the success it has seen would be entirely achievable in “Wirral’s largest retail centre.”
He continued; “We are committed to working alongside Neptune to deliver an attractive, working vision for Birkenhead which suits businesses, residents and developers and attracts investment into the town.
“What is important to stress, and what I want Birkenhead residents and businesses to know about these plans, is that there will be a full and open process of consultation before anything goes ahead – we have to ensure that we have the support of the community that these developments will serve.
“It is our responsibility to ensure, in partnership with Neptune, that we allow Birkenhead to realise its potential.”
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