Birkenhead 2040 Framework approved

Councillors have approved plans which will underpin the once in a lifetime transformation of Birkenhead and the surrounding area.

The Birkenhead 2040 Framework represents one of the most aspirational regeneration programmes in the country and will see the town given a new lease of life.

Now members of the council’s Economy, Regeneration and Development Committee (Wednesday March 9) have approved the Framework which will also be a key document supporting Wirral’s emerging Local Plan

The Framework was put together based on what residents and local businesses have told the council is important to them.

One of the key elements of the Framework is the creation of more family-friendly neighbourhoods and includes a beautiful new park along the route through the town centre of the disused Dock Branch railway, one of the first rail lines in the country, which will help bring to life a long-neglected part of the Birkenhead’s heritage.

Other elements include opening up the Mersey waterfront and re-connecting it to the revitalised town centre, while the currently vacant site around the Hind Street area will be transformed into a low-carbon urban garden village of up to 1,000 new homes and given easy access to the town through the removal of the two flyovers to the Queensway Tunnel.

The Birkenhead 2040 Framework will also play a key role in supporting the Council’s Climate Emergency commitment through investment in improved walking and cycling routes, a new Mass Transit system to link key development areas into the Merseyrail network, and a potential District Heating Network providing low-cost heating to new developments across the town.

And through delivery of new offices in the town centre more people will be brought back into the centre to support local shops, while the historic Birkenhead Market will be given a modern fit-for-purpose new home.

Cllr Tony Jones, Chair of Wirral Council’s Economic Regeneration and Development Committee, said: “We began this process by asking people what they would like to see and how they thought we can bring new life to Birkenhead, and this Framework shows we have heard what they said.

“Work is already moving ahead, at Wirral Waters, at Eureka in Seacombe, in Birkenhead town centre and beyond. And now this Birkenhead 2040 Framework will support the development of Wirral’s Local Plan, focus on redeveloping brownfield sites on the east of the borough to meet our housing needs and underpin a key element of the regeneration which will make a real difference to the lives of the people of Wirral.”

You can read and download the Birkenhead 2040 Framework here.

Also, view the Youtube video Birkenhead 2040 Regeneration Framework - YouTube