Council reveals £250m five-year plan
A PLAN to attract £250m of private sector investment to the Wirral has been unveiled.
The Wirral Growth Plan, launched by Wirral Council, aims to make the area one of the most attractive postcodes for companies wanting to invest in the Northern Powerhouse have been unveiled.
Wirral Council leader Cllr Phil Davies announced a series of schemes and development worth more than £150m during 2016, and the council is now considering a Wirral Growth Plan to increase that investment over the next five years.
Cllr Phil Davies said he wanted Birkenhead and Wirral to be “first choice for developers and companies looking to invest in the Northern Powerhouse”.
“Wirral is a place investors are interested in. Already home to global businesses including Cammell Laird, Vauxhall Motors, Typhoo Tea and Unilever’s Advanced Manufacturing Centre – businesses and employers are looking for available land, skilled staff and a strong transport and digital infrastructure – Wirral can offer all that and more.”
The Wirral Growth Plan is also aiming to create 250 new businesses, generate and safeguard 5,000 jobs and facilitate the building of 3,500 new homes.
“There are already a number of priority schemes set to go live in 2016, including plans for the regeneration of Woodside and rejuvenation of Downtown Birkenhead, new projects in Wirral Waters including housing and waterfront developments, and improvements to Birkenhead Market and the retail and leisure offer in the town,” said Cllr Davies.
“Where else can investors get UNESCO World Heritage views, a working port and dock system, award winning schools and colleges and a local authority with a proven track record of supporting
“I’m confident our Downtown Birkenhead postcode – CH41 – can become the most attractive in the Northern Powerhouse for investment.”
The Wirral Growth Plan outlines new approaches to driving further investment and growth in Wirral by creating a revitalised Downtown Birkenhead as a national centre for enterprise in the low carbon industry, professional services, retail and leisure, advanced manufacturing and the maritime industry.
Wirral Chamber of Commerce chief executive and lead partner for tourism and business, Paula Basnett, said: “It is of great importance that all organisations work together to create an environment which will offer employment, growth and economic prosperity. Wirral Chamber of Commerce will support those initiatives which will bring positive benefits to Wirral, its businesses and its residents.”
The Plan has been developed by Wirral Council with key local partners, including Wirral Chamber of Commerce and Wirral Metropolitan College. It outlines how the council will lead the plan, with the active and ongoing participation of local partners. It has a strong focus on private sector driven opportunity, facilitated by the council, and is designed to help foster investor confidence.
