Wirral looks to pledge £6.6m for Birkenhead’s regeneration

Next week, the council’s economy, regeneration, and housing committee will meet to approve shifts in funds and allocate £3.2m to Woodside Ferry Terminal, a cash boost to Future Yard, while tapping into £1.2m from the Liscard Levelling Up Fund.

In total, Wirral Council will reallocate £6.6m if it approves the recommendations.

The cash will enable the Woodside Studios proposal, where a business centre and F&B offer are set to be added to Woodside Ferry Terminal.

This will aim to transform the terminal on the Mersey into a multi-functional hub for visitors, businesses, and the local community.

The first floor of the building would host an Entrepreneurship Centre, offering 12 small business units alongside co-working and networking spaces.

Demolition, structural alterations, mechanical and electrical works, fit-out, and professional fees will all be covered by the £3.2m.

The Joy project is also a beneficiary. The wellbeing centre has been handed a further £600,000, bringing its allocation to £4.8m.

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Joy will provide wellbeing services, including housing several services to support children and young people’s mental health, including NHS services such as CAMHS and OMOO Open Door Charities service for Children Looked After.

In addition, the outdoor music venue off Argyle Street, Future Yard, will be given £350,000 to bring its allocation to £2.6m.

Future Yard has demonstrated a willingness to contribute to the cost of the project by securing other match funding grants and social finance, according to the council.

Liscard Levelling Up Fund will be reduced from £12m to £10.8m to support the changes.

A sum of £1.1m will remain as contingency for the local regeneration fund.

Wirral’s director of finance will review the financial position of Wirral’s regeneration fund and present recommended changes to the committee in March 2026.