Legal agreement will kickstart regeneration of town centre

The regeneration of Birkenhead town centre has moved a step closer following the signing of legal agreements.

Wirral Council and Muse Developments have agreed to form a new joint venture called Wirral Growth Company.

Following a major competition, the council selected Muse as its preferred development partner for the 10 year partnership with the potential to extend for a further five years.

One of the first projects for Wirral Growth Company will focus on Birkenhead town centre, where the new venture will look to develop a new business district of grade A offices, alongside new shops and extensive public realm improvements.

Mike Horner, development director at Muse Developments, said: “We’re delighted to have reached this milestone with Wirral Council and officially form Wirral Growth Company.

“This is the first step of a long journey to bring high-quality development and sustainable, transformational regeneration to the peninsula.

“We look forward to further strengthening our partnership with the council, as well as engaging with residents, businesses and other stakeholders as plans progress.”

Alongside Birkenhead, Wirral Growth Company will also look to bring forward schemes in areas such as Bebington, Moreton and Bromborough through a range of commercial, retail, leisure and residential developments.

Leader of Wirral Council Phil Davies said: ”This is a momentous occasion for the borough. Getting Wirral Growth Company officially off the ground, after months of detailed negotiations, is fantastic news for all our residents.

“We can now get on with the job of building the homes, offices and leisure developments which will transform our local economy and create thousands of opportunities for local people and businesses. I can’t wait to get started.”

The next step for Wirral Growth Company will be a full public consultation on initial plans, including traders’ and residents’ events, which is due to begin in May 2019.