New urban village in Birkenhead moves one step closer
A NEW low-carbon urban village on the Hind Street regeneration area close to Birkenhead Town Centre is moving forward.
Set on a substantial brownfield site of approximately twelve hectares, the development partners hope to bring up to 1,400 new homes, supporting Wirral Council’s 2021-2037 Local Plan.
Wirral Council has appointed Ion Developments to work with them to progress the current concept proposals for the area towards delivery and a Development Management Agreement has been signed for the project.
Over the last 18 months, Wirral Council, Ion and other stakeholders have been working to create a concept for a low-carbon urban village that will deliver a sustainable residential-led neighbourhood, close to both the town centre and the two railway stations.
This role involves site investigation, master planning and viability work which will provide the basis of further detailed work in due course. The appointment has been made under the Pagabo Developer Led Framework.
The majority of the site is now controlled by Wirral Council with Ion also having significant interests in the area.
The phased development is expected to span over a decade, starting with residential development in the centre of the proposed site, on the site of the former gas works. It is also expected that Dock Branch Park, the proposed green space running through the town centre utilising the former railway line, will extend to the south as far as Green Lane to improve the sustainability and connectivity of the scheme.
Steve Parry, managing director of Ion, said: ‘The regeneration of the Hind Street area is a key component of the regeneration of Birkenhead. It will create a new vibrant neighbourhood that will directly connect to and support the resurgence of the town centre whilst also being perfectly located for access to Liverpool city centre. We are seeking to deliver an innovative, high-quality environment which will be an exemplar for future residential developments within the town. Future residents will enjoy the perfect balance of life in a green urban village, with excellent access across the region through public transport links.’
Later phases of the site are likely to include mixed-use and commercial buildings to support re-establishing the town as a place to live, work and play.
Cllr Tony Jones, chair of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee, said: ‘This is a hugely significant site adjacent to Birkenhead town centre. The proposals for residential development here are incredibly exciting and not only will this help Wirral meet the demand for housing but it aligns with what people have been telling the council – that they want to see brownfield sites like this used for housing development.
‘I have no doubt that this scheme will become an exemplar for how to bring forward major developments and help set the standard for low carbon and sustainable future housing in Wirral. And it will be a key component of Wirral's extensive regeneration aims for the whole Left Bank from Bromborough to New Brighton.’
