Hamilton Square Conservation Area Regeneration Plan Consultation
People are being asked to give their views on proposals for the Hamilton Square Conservation Area Regeneration Plan and the proposed extension of the Conservation Area boundary.
The Hamilton Square Conservation Area is centred on Hamilton Square and its surrounding streets and includes 63 listed buildings, as well as stretching towards Woodside Ferry Terminal.
The proposed changes would see this extended along south towards the edge of Birkenhead’s town centre and north to include around the Pacific Road area.
Specifically the continuation along Argyle Street up to and including Birkenhead Central Station to include architectural styles there which create a rich townscape that ranges from the revival and commercial styles of the Victorian era and Edwardian neo-baroque through to modern and classical revival styles of the interwar period.
In addition, the Hamilton Square Conservation Area Regeneration Plan presents 44 proposals for preserving, enhancing and regenerating the conservation area and an action plan for each proposal.
The purpose of the Hamilton Square Conservation Area Regeneration Plan is to integrate conservation area management objectives with the regeneration strategies and proposals for the wider town centre, bringing a wider scope than a traditional conservation area management plan.
Information on the Hamilton Square Conservation Area Regeneration Plan can be found on the website Hamilton Square conservation area | wirral.gov.uk
In Conservation Areas the Council has a legal obligation to ensure that "special attention shall be paid to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance" of the area when deciding any planning applications for sites and buildings within the area.
Local Authorities also have a duty to review these areas to ensure that places of special architectural or historic interest are being protected.
As part of this process the boundaries of a Conservation Areas may be changed and new areas may be designated. Those areas which have been eroded to the extent that their special character has been lost, may be de-designated.
The public’s views are now being sought on proposed changes to the Hamilton Square Conservation Area.
Views can be shared online vi the Council’s consultation website at: Hamilton Square Conservation Area Regeneration Plan | Have your say Wirral.
Comments are invited on the draft regeneration plan. An event allowing members of the public to speak with council officers about the proposals is being held at Make Hamilton, 69-71 Argyle St, Birkenhead CH41 6LQ on Thursday 24th April 2025, between 5.30 - 7.30pm. It is a chance to discuss any specific aspects of the proposals – those wishing to take up this opportunity are advised to book an appointment through heritage@wirral.gov.uk
The team can be contacted by email at heritage@wirral.gov.uk
Physical copies of the proposals are available to view at Wirral Council’s Mallory Office (2 Alice Ker Square, Birkenhead, CH41 2AB).
