Wirral regeneration projects receive updated funding
Wirral Council has agreed new funding allocations for several local regeneration projects.
The decision follows a report recommending changes to how money is currently assigned within the Local Regeneration Fund (LRF).
The LRF – previously called the Simplification Pathfinder – brings together several former funding streams, including the Town Deal and the Levelling Up Fund, into one flexible budget that must be spent by March 2028.
Councillors on the Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee approved a number of updates to ensure the programme offers value for money and can be fully delivered.
Chair of the committee, Cllr Mark Skillicorn, said:
It is vital that we keep our focus on ensuring the grants to support improvements for our residents and businesses deliver what they are intended to do. These projects have been carefully scrutinised by officers and councillors and we’re laying the groundwork for long term growth, better facilities and more opportunities for local residents - and I want to thank all those involved in helping us get to this point.
Regeneration is about giving every part of Wirral the chance to thrive, and these funding adjustments make sure we can deliver the best possible outcomes for our communities.
Key funding updates include the Liscard regeneration programme. The total allocation will remain £12 million but the council expects the planned improvements to cost £10.788 million, with £1.212 million potential borrowing as a contingency if costs rise.
The Joy Project, which provides mental health support using culture and art, will see its funding increase from £4.23 million to £4.84 million. The project will bring several children and young people’s mental health services together under one roof, including NHS services such as CAMHS and Open Door Charities’ “OOMOO” support for Children Looked After.
Future Yard will receive £2.29 million, up from £1.93 million, to cover higher costs linked to additional planning requirements, including changes needed to meet noise and building control regulations.
The committee members also agreed that the Director of Finance will be able to set aside money for two projects, subject to further checks and in consultation with committee chair and spokespeople, for £150,000 for Highways Improvements outside Eureka and £3,165,000 for a business centre and food and beverage offer at Woodside Ferry Terminal building to be named Woodside Studios
An additional £1,097,172 will remain as a backup fund for the wider Local Regeneration Fund programme.
The Director of Finance will review the financial position of the regeneration programme and provide an update in March 2026, including details of any recommended changes, when a further report on the ongoing monitoring of LRF allocations will be brought back to the committee.
The committee agenda is online here and the report on funding allocations is at Item 7. The meeting webcast can be viewed online here.
