Plans for ‘university of the sea’ and industrial park at Wirral Waters unveiled

The developer behind the multi-billion pound regeneration of Wirral Waters has revealed plans for a 1million sq ft Marine, Energy and Automotive Park (MEA) at West Float.

Peel said the MEA Park will be a waterside advanced manufacturing and logistics campus, targeting major manufacturing companies in the energy and marine sectors.

Also planned is a Maritime Knowledge Hub, which Peel calls a ‘university of the sea’ to build on the Liverpool City Region’s strength in the maritime sector.  

This will see the renovation of the disused Grade II, Victorian Hydraulic Tower on Tower Road transformed into a leading centre for engineering skills.

The developer also gave an update on the wider Wirral Waters scheme, the single biggest regeneration project in the UK by consented floorspace and one of the largest in Europe.

It said works have been carried out in preparation for a range of projects including:

Laird House – a proposed 25,000 sq ft BREEAM Excellent office building to be built at Four Bridges. The office is being brought to the market by GVA and occupiers are being sought.
 
Housing at Northbank – housing delivery will start at Northbank. Peel is working with partners on two different housing projects.  

Egerton Square – A permanent amenities village and hub for Wirral’s creative industries.

A spokesperson for Peel said: “We anticipate that 2017 / 18 will be important Peel Wirral Watersyears for Wirral and Wirral Waters.  

“Since the grant of planning permission significant work has taken place ‘behind the scenes’ in preparation for delivery including; remediation of sites, demolition of buildings and investment in infrastructure.  These works are necessary to create sites ready for development.  

“In addition, the Wirral Waters Investment Fund has now been set up.  This, in combination of other funding sources including Single Investment Fund, will help accelerate delivery through addressing issues of viability.  This fund is as a direct result of Wirral Waters forming part of the Mersey Waters Enterprise Zone.”

OMI Architects has been selected to advance its designs for the ‘Pop Up’ village at Egerton Square.

The project will incorporate a restaurant, food hub, retail space, gallery, workshop spaces and outdoor entertainment space, centred around a new public square.

Nick Berry, director of OMI Architects, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to create a real place defined by an exciting and diverse range of uses and activities.  The ‘Village’ concept will provide an opportunity for small local businesses to contribute to Peel’s vision for this unique waterside environment.”

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