BirkenEd's Place to re-open with a series of events for local residents
Wirral’s consultation hub BirkenEd's Place is to reopen on Monday 12th June 2023.
BirkenEd's Place first opened last year in the town centre as a way of letting even more people find out more about the key projects in Wirral’s ambitious regeneration plans.
And most importantly the centre is also a place where local people have been able to share their ideas and views to help shape what happens next.
Wirral’s Left Bank area which stretches from New Ferry through Birkenhead, Wirral Waters, Seacombe and Liscard to New Brighton, is going through major transformation with more than £100 million of Government funding secured by Wirral Council officers to support regeneration.
The engagement in BirkenEd’s Place is being led by independent local social enterprise PLACED and by using a shop unit in the town centre it provides an easily accessible location for people to call in and get involved in the plans for their area.
BirkenEd’s Place has proved to be extremely popular, with 2,500 visitors from November to March across eight projects, and 92% of those who shared their experience saying they felt able to give their views.
Comments from users included: “People can come and feel welcomed, listened to and share their ideas. It's always worth having a clear space where people know they can directly go to, to have their say”, “BirkenEd's Place is a space where people can foster a sense of belonging in their local area" and “It will empower the community with information and enable more meaningful engagement”.
Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paul Stuart, said:
BirkenEd’s Place is a brilliant facility which allows everyone who wants to do so to have their say on the many incredible plans coming through to deliver the regeneration of Wirral. This unit is a way we can listen in detail to people’s opinions and ideas about how they see Wirral developing.
“Regeneration is not just about delivering fantastic new buildings and public spaces and infrastructure – which we will – it’s about making the place work for the people of Wirral, a place where they can live, work and spend their leisure time, and deliver the jobs and homes they need and a place they want to be.
One of the initial exhibitions at BirkenEd’s Place will be the University of Liverpool's School of Architecture and School of Urban Design, as between 12th - 26th June they will be showcasing the work they've developed based on the projects in Birkenhead, including a large model of Birkenhead, and this will be followed by consultation on the next phase of the Dock Branch Masterplan (28th June - 3rd July).
Other events include the Birkenhead Treasure Hunt, ongoing from opening date, where you can pop in and take one of the free Birkenhead Treasure Hunts, exploring the town centre looking for clues. It takes about an hour and you can win a prize. No booking required.
There are also the Saturday Craft Sessions, every Saturday from opening date where you can pop in on a Saturday and immerse yourself in free crafts - no booking required.
Later in the month there is a chance for young people to have a go at “Designing Your Dream Home” with The University of Liverpool, on 24th June. This is suitable for 14-18 year olds and free to attend but booking is essential and a guardian must fill out consent form.
And the North End Sketch Club on Tour is a chance to join Jayne, of Dead Pigeon Gallery, with her famous art sketch clubs. They are free to attend and booking is not essential, simply turn up or book for a guaranteed spot. You'll meet at the shop and travel to a location to learn how to sketch. 3 sessions, 3 different sketch locations. Suitable for over 16s (under 18s need a guardian to fill out a consent form) and totally free. They take place on 29th June, 6th July and 13th July
BirkenEd's Place is at 8-10 Borough Pavement, Grange Precinct, Birkenhead, CH41 2XX. More details of all events can be found on the BirkenEd’s Place website.
