Double planning boost for Wirral Waters

Permission has been given for two of three planning applications, meaning Peel Waters can progress the Mobil building’s redevelopment and the extension of Greenway, a £1.7m package.

The consent for Peel Waters from Wirral Council will kickstart a new phase of development at Mea Park West. Close to Birkenhead North station, this is described as a critical employment and Freeport site within the long-term regeneration project.

Wirral’s decisions cover the transformation of the 42,000 sq ft Mobil building and a major extension to the Greenway public realm project.

The overall package of applications at Mea (Marine, Energy and Automotive) Park West is expected to deliver 171,400 sq ft of employment space at the brownfield dockside site. Plans were put forward in September last year.

Mobil building – £1.2m transformation

The refurbishment of the Mobil building, due to start in spring 2026, will involve converting the former oil refinery storage facility by modernising the structure while maintaining its industrial character.

External alterations include repainting exteriors, replacing the roof on the low bay element, and over-cladding of the high bay.

Peel Water said the reuse and refurbishment of the existing building delivers significant environmental benefits compared to a new build.

Greenway extension

The second approval enables a major extension to the Greenway at Mea Park West. The scheme will significantly enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety, promote active travel, improve biodiversity and raise the visual and functional quality of the employment environment.

The Greenway links the wider West Float employment area to public transport routes. This programme will build on the initial phase of the Greenway delivered in 2023.

Plans include:

• A 3.5-metre wide shared-use footway and cycleway along the eastern edge of Wallasey Bridge Road, providing a safe, continuous active travel route directly connecting Mea Park West to Birkenhead North Merseyrail Station
• A native tree-lined verge and wildflower grassland strip, supporting biodiversity and creating an attractive green edge to the road
• A buffer zone reserved for future sustainable transit aligned with the former railway
• New street lighting and wayfinding signage
• Remediation and site preparation works, including demolition of an existing substation.

Richard Mawdsley, director of development at Wirral Waters, said: “These two approvals mark a defining moment in the transformation of Mea Park West. By transforming this landmark building into a modern manufacturing facility, we’re creating high-quality jobs, attracting new investment and supporting local supply chains.

“And by creating safe, attractive routes for pedestrians and cyclists and connecting the site directly to public transport, we are making Wirral Waters a place where businesses want to locate and people want to work.

“Together, these decisions demonstrate real confidence in our vision and create the conditions for long-term, sustainable regeneration that benefits the whole community.”

Wirral Council Leader, Cllr Paula Basnett, said: “It is great to see a new phase of regeneration taking shape in Wirral’s docklands. Mea Park West is within the Freeport area and is an important location for attracting growth and investment to the area.

“These latest planning decisions are a massive step forward and will create new jobs and training opportunities for young people and other Wirral residents within the Modern Methods of Construction sector.”