Birkenhead commercial scheme moves forward

Wirral Growth Company has secured council approval for its plan to build 150,000 sq ft of office accommodation at the old Milton Pavements plot starting in October this year.

The Wirral policy and resources committee gave the formal go-ahead to the scheme at its meeting on 28 July, at the recommendation of the council’s economic regeneration committee. Now that it is approved, the Birkenhead regeneration project can continue on its path to complete construction in October 2023.

The project is focused on office space at Birkenhead, which will be divided between two buildings. The larger of the two will be nearly 90,000 sq ft and be the new council offices. Up to 800 administrative staff will be relocating to the property. The smaller of the office buildings is 58,000 sq ft and will be let on the open market.

The proposed view from Commercial Square of the buildings. Credit: Wirral Growth Company via planning documents

Both office buildings will be built to BREEAM Excellent standard and designed to achieve an EPC A-rating. They have already received the WiredScore Gold standard, which means they will have one of the best broadband and telecom infrastructure in the country.

The approved SDP also includes the construction of a primary sub-station at the rear of Europa Pools to future proof the area’s power supply.

This marks the first phase of the 1.4m sq ft Birkenhead Town Centre project from Wirral Growth Company, a joint venture of Wirral Council and Muse Developments. The masterplan includes relocating Birkenhead Market and constructing an additional 36,000 sq ft of retail space, 650 homes, and a 110-bedroom hotel. The scheme goes from Pyramid Shopping Centre of the A552 to Price Street. The masterplan was approved unanimously in April and a Section 106 agreement has also been reached for the development.

The view from Claughton Road of the office scheme. Credit: Wirral Growth Company via planning documents