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Wirral sets sights on
billion pound transformation
PHIL Davies, Wirral Council leader has
revealed plans for the transformation of Wirral through a ₤1 billion development
opportunity.
The announcement, made at the international property conference MIPIM, will see
work immediately commence to create Wirral Growth Company, charged with
delivering growth including:-
► A world class residential, leisure and cultural destination, on the Woodside
Waterfront, overlooking the Liverpool Skyline.
► A revitalised retail and commercial hub, underpinned by public sector support
and a residential, retail and leisure development.
► Reinvigorating the historic Hamilton Square, as the centrepiece of a new
mixed use heritage district.
Speaking at the global conference, at an event hosted by the UK Government, Cllr
Davies told an audience of international investors and developers:- "Today
is a landmark step forward in our ambitions for Wirral. The joint announcement
of ₤1billion of development opportunities and the creation of Wirral Growth
Company as our delivery vehicle reflects the growing interest and confidence in
Wirral, Merseyside and the wider City Region.
We will unlock the huge, untapped potential of Wirral and Birkenhead as an
outstanding destination of choice for business and investment.
The Wirral Growth Company will over the coming months identify a joint venture
investment partner, triggering the creation of thousands of jobs and economic
growth."
Initially focussed on 3 core areas in Birkenhead; Woodside Waterfront,
Hamilton Square and the Town Centre; this development opportunity will result
in residential, leisure, commercial and retail development. "Woodside waterfront is arguably
1 of the most outstanding residential
and mixed used development opportunities not just in the Liverpool City Region,
but anywhere in the UK. As Brooklyn's
renaissance across the river from Manhattan has reconnected the New York City
Boroughs, and as Paris, Melbourne and Budapest developments have connected Cities together across rivers, so it is now our turn.
Over the coming weeks, Wirral is looking to the investor and developer community
to come forward and be our partner on this project. For Wirral, this is a step
change in how we encourage economic growth. We are putting around ₤100 million
of land and other assets into the Wirral Growth Company and expect our partner
to match that commitment.
I am extremely proud of Wirral. We have a rich history of innovation, creation
and entrepreneurship. I am incredibly excited to launch this new opportunity at
the World's leading investment event; it is a huge step in creating a new,
modern Wirral from which we can all benefit. Working with the Department for International Trade, Liverpool City
Region, Invest Liverpool and numerous other partners, we have this week at MIPIM
successfully put Wirral in the shop window for major investment and development.
The reaction has been very positive and our team will, over the coming weeks,
progress the creation of Wirral Growth Company and identify the investment
partner or partners of choice." said Cllr Davies.
Wirral Council will soon be publishing a formal notice, which will start
the process of identifying and securing a private sector partner to join the
Wirral Growth Company. A new
website, was launched this morning to
coincide with the Leaders' announcement, and more information can be found
there. There is also a supporting video on
YouTube.
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