Investor expands its original plans for Birkenhead accommodation scheme

An investment firm has revealed exciting plans to expand on its original housing scheme in “up-and-coming” Birkenhead town centre.

Gape Equity revealed in May how it planned to regenerate the huge building on Grange Road that previously housed JD Sports, and is currently home to TK Maxx, Barclays and New Look.

The initial proposals detailed how the developers planned to transform the vacant office space on the second and third floors of the building into ‘high spec’ one- and two-bedroom flats.

Gape has been awarded planning permission for 59 new residential units.

Arran Bailey, managing director of Gape Equity, a subsidiary of Nottingham-based ALB Investments which has lots of experience in developing dual purpose buildings, said the extra units would create much-needed accommodation in Birkenhead.

He said: “Having amended the plans we decided to make use of the roof space to open up further living quarters in this ideally-placed location, maximising the space and also creating more housing in the town centre area.

“Birkenhead is an up and coming area, with lots going for it, especially with a ‘master plan’ for development in the centre and a market, and great transport links.”

In addition to the accommodation plans, Gape’s provisional plan is to fill the three empty shop units on the ground floor with commercial tenants.

The news is a welcome boost for the town, which has a housing shortfall.

Wirral Chamber of Commerce chief executive Paula Basnett said “This is great news for both Birkenhead and Wirral. At a time when towns are noticing a drop in footfall this type of regeneration is actively placing people right in the heart of our town centre.”

Wirral’s housing needs assessment has been set at 800 new homes per year for 15 years, equating to a total of 12,000 new properties

Wirral Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and growth, cllr Tony Jones, said: “This shows how Wirral is open for business and investors are seeing the potential of Birkenhead, as well as our plans for the town.

“Bringing more residential properties into the heart of the town centre has the potential to increase footfall and give local shops a much-needed boost.”