Consultation starts on plans for new Birkenhead neighbourhood
Consultation is now underway on plans for a new neighbourhood in the heart of Birkenhead based around a proposed park area reclaiming unused land.
The Dock Branch Neighbourhood will surround a new park on the former Dock Branch rail line which cuts across part of the town.
Combining residential with retail and leisure uses the aim is to create an attractive and vibrant place for people to live and work as well as a destination to visit.
Work is already moving ahead on developing the Dock Branch Park which connects the town centre with Wirral Waters along the route of the disused railway cutting as a key project which will help transform this part of Birkenhead.
But to build up a successful and vibrant neighbourhood around the park lots of different things are needed, from the mix of different homes and how people get around the area to making sure it is sustainable and that it maximises health and well-being, to name a few.
This consultation aims to find out more about which of those kinds of things people think are important in creating a desirable place to live, work and spend leisure time.
This is part of wider regeneration taking place across Wirral’s Left Bank from Bromborough to New Brighton via Birkenhead, Seacombe, and Liscard and based on the emerging Local Plan which will also help protect the borough’s Green Belt.
Cllr Tony Jones, chair of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee, said: “The Dock Branch Neighbourhood project is a real opportunity towards restoring Birkenhead and helping the town achieve its potential. I would urge everyone to get involved and have their say and help us make this the huge success it deserves to be.
“Many millions of pounds of Government funding has been secured by the council specifically ring-fenced to support the regeneration work which is already getting underway. We are now starting to see the fruits of this work and the next few years will see real and beneficial change being delivered for the people of Wirral.”
The consultation runs from January 16 until February 16. To take part visit the council’s HaveYourSay website.
You can also visit BirkenEd’s Place in Birkenhead town centre – this is an easily accessible location for anyone wanting to learn about the ambitious plans for Birkenhead and, crucially, to help shape decisions about the future of the town with the engagement in BirkenEd’s Place being led by independent local social enterprise PLACED.
