Wirral looks to approve four Left Bank masterplans – and ditch another
The frameworks would support the delivery of nearly 3,000 homes, improve public realm, and revitalise vacant and under-utilised sites across New Brighton and the Cleveland Street, Northside, and Dock Branch neighbourhoods.
Wirral Council’s economy, regeneration, and housing committee will be meeting on 16 July to adopt the spatial strategies for Left Bank, while also being encouraged to withdraw the Scott’s Quay framework.
Scott’s Quay was focused on creating a mixed-use area, however, issues surrounding poor air quality due to its proximity to the docks, as well as odour and noise were making the project problematic. Couple that with the fact that the area is recommended for removal in the local plan and you can see why Wirral Council is keen to regroup and rethink rather than move forward with the current scheme.
While Scott’s Quay may be dead in the water, the other four masterplans for Wirral’s Left Bank are set for green lights. These are:
- Cleveland Street Neighbourhood Masterplan
- Northside Neighbourhood Framework
- Dock Branch Neighbourhood Masterplan
- New Brighton Marine Promenade Masterplan
Cleveland Street’s masterplan has been drawn up by Maccreanor Lavington, Landscape Projects, and Useful Projects. It encompasses around 43 acres between Corporation Road, Duke Street, Price Street, and Vittoria Street.
The framework includes provisions to introduce up to 1,200 homes – 60% of which would have three or more bedrooms – to the predominantly employment area.
The Northside framework focusses on nine sites north of Wirral Waters that could have industrial units or serve as open-air storage facilities. Its mission is to improve the visual appearance of the area and hep attract new businesses. The masterplan has been drawn up by BDP.
Like Cleveland Street, Dock Branch is another residential-led masterplan. Composed by Maccreanor Lavington, Civic Engineers, Make CIC, Walker Sime, Authentic Futures, Cushman & Wakefield, Useful Projects, Optimised Environments, and Placed, the masterplan includes up to 990 homes of various types as well as a the linear Dock Branch Park.
The New Brighton Marine Promenade Masterplan is the work of BDP, Aspinall Verdi, Colliers, and Warrington Martin. It focusses on bringing life into the area by introducing cafes, hotels, restaurants, and up to 495 homes (mostly apartments) – as well as revitalising existing attractions such as the Floral Pavilion Theatre.
- READ MORE: The Future is Birkenhead
why do WBC insist on using Architects and designers from outside the area? Merseyside have plenty of Architects who are more than capable, know the area and who’s fees are a dam sight lower
By Anonymous
Good civilised street based urbanism.
By Rye
Thanks for the mention Julia. For the record, we also supported BDP on the Northside Masterplan (along with some I & L market advice from Jon Thorne at B8 Real Estate)
By Andy Delaney
Can someone contact Wilkie Leisure Group for an update on the new Palace ? The building is now being saved and had been included in the shortlisted for the Seaside Heritage Network National Bucket and Spade Awards
By Anonymous
@July 10, 2024 at 1:10 pm
By Anonymous
I don’t think they insist on doing this.
When a developer draws up a project, they will use the architects they have selected.
Some other projects will seek a tender or masterplanner on the Gov site and the best bid will be selected on a number of criteria.
I think Birkenhead is lucky to have an excellent London-based practice like Maccreanor Lavington on board, they have probably done some of the best housing anywhere.
But Merseyside does have some truly excellent practices like DK-Architects, Studio MUTT and MGMA.
By Rye
Construction of the Dock Branch Park was meant to begin last autumn and I’ve heard funding has been lost – will it ever actually happen?
By Anonymous