Wirral Waters arts and retail space in for planning

Developer Peel has submitted a planning application for its £3.5m amenity hub at Egerton Square, designed by architect OMI and featuring a dockside restaurant, gallery, retail, and events space.

The £3.5m project is focussed on delivering amenities for the business and residential communities planned for the area, and will also play host to arts facilities and a waterside events space.

Located at Four Bridges next to Wirral Metropolitan College, it will sit alongside the proposed £6m No 1 Tower Road South office block and the planned Maritime Knowledge Hub, proposals for which were outlined earlier this month.

A dockside restaurant and bistro will be the building’s key feature, and will sit alongside a gallery, retail units, artists’ studios, a gallery, workspace, and an events space.

OMI was chosen as architect for the scheme in March last year from a shortlist of five, beating fellow bidders Ellis Williams Architects, Sixtwo, Ainsley Gommon Architects, and K2 to the project.

Peel plans to employ modular construction techniques to build the development and will work with the nearby college to provide apprenticeship opportunities throughout the build.

Richard Mawdsley, director of development at Peel Land & Property, said: “Our plans for Egerton Village focus on providing the facilities which lie at the heart of a thriving community.  It is designed to serve new and existing residents, students and local businesses as well as visitors.”

Nick Berry, director of OMI Architects added: “The proposals for Egerton Village will create a vibrant place defined by an exciting and diverse range of uses and activities. The ‘Village’ concept will provide an opportunity for local businesses to contribute to Peel’s vision for this unique waterside environment and will help put the Wirral on the map as a destination for visitors from across the world.”

It is the latest planning application to come forward for Wirral Waters this year. Following the £6m office, which was put forward for planning permission in March, an application has also been submitted to build a dementia care village at the 500 acre site.