Debate over the future of Birkenhead continues as the town looks to receive millions of pounds in investment.
The struggling town will see a new park along an old railway line, up to 21,000 new homes, and major changes to the town centre. It has been called “the biggest change for the town since 1947.”
A number of different projects will make up the 20-year framework with Wirral Council hoping to engage more than 2,000 people in the next three months through a new partnership with Placed - an organisation that engages people in design and planning. It will also be carrying out a six-week consultation to allow people to have their say on the general plans for Birkenhead town centre until January 18 and will start next Wednesday.
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Wirral Council’s leader Janette Williamson said: “Birkenhead and the surrounding area is on the cusp of real and important changes which we are determined to make sure these benefit as many local people as possible and that they reflect their hopes and ambitions for their town. This is the culmination of many years of hard work and vision by politicians and officers.”
Speaking to businesses and people from Birkenhead, there were some mixed feelings. Some welcomed the new money arguing it was something Birkenhead desperately needed.
Others were concerned about possible gentrification, continued problems of anti-social behaviour, and that the investment being put in isn't right for the town.
Jean Stapleton, a former councillor for Birkenhead, said there had been slow progress when she was in the council but believes it is now moving forward quickly with regeneration plans since Paul Satoor took over as Chief Executive.
On a tour of plans for Argyle Street and Hamilton Square, Ms Stapleton said: “I could see my life back when I was a child. I had the freedom to run around all the streets back then.
“When I went back, I didn’t realise how much it would matter to me until I went. It’s what I have always been waiting for. I am just hoping to see something before I die.”
Ward’s Fish was based at Birkenhead Market for 47 years and has been running since 1927. It claims to be the oldest shop in Birkenhead, describing it as “sausage roll town.”
Nigel Buckmaster who owns the business is sceptical of the plans for regeneration and whether they will be delivered. He said: “A small town like this it’s hard to get that kind of investment because the returns aren’t very high.
"I don’t really trust any of them. We have had this several times in my lifetime."
He said after lockdown, “people reverted back to their usual ways and the market never returned.
“People had this feeling it had closed down and because the regeneration has been delayed for a number of reasons, we decided it was time to move.
“We couldn’t hang on any longer. We were meant to have a new market by this spring but that’s been and gone. Plans have been changed and revised but regeneration isn’t an easy thing to do."
The council is considering moving the market as part of its plans to regenerate the town centre. Mr Buckmaster thinks the market is key to regenerating the town but worries it is too far gone.
He said: “This is a commuter town, this isn’t Manchester or Liverpool. We don’t have the weight of people.
"What we should have is a proper market but we won’t have that because there are no traders left.”
Public space is an important issue for people particularly making sure the waterfronts in Birkenhead are accessible for everyone given the views across the Mersey.
Despite concerns that “a lot of private development in that area” might prevent this, Paul Jeffries who lives in West Kirby said: “I was quite pleased to see some public space earmarked around the Woodside Ferry Terminal. I just thought that was a good idea.”
A lot of the projects include new cycle lanes and walking routes as the council seeks to promote active forms of transport. Ellis Palmer Babe pointed to a r ecent consultation over a cycle route on Price Street despite there being a similar route on nearby Beckwith Street.
He said: “We have some of the best infrastructure but it is not being maintained enough. It’s a lot of spending money without thinking about the infrastructure that is already there.”
Mr Palmer Babe thinks there needs to be a review of what’s already in Wirral so that “people can get from where they live into town.”
Some businesses felt like the council wasn’t doing enough to support businesses. Ashton McGowan’s dance school just moved onto the high street in July but said they’re facing business rates of £2,880 per month.
She doesn’t “see much point in regeneration” if the council doesn’t “deal with the issues why it has fallen into disrepair first.” She believes that the costs of being in the town centre for small businesses “is why all the little independents have had to go because they do not look at the overall picture.
“Even some of the chains, they haven’t been able to stick around. People aren’t going to come in if the shops aren’t here for them.”
Wirral Council funds Wirral’s Chamber of Commerce to provide a free business support service to all businesses in Wirral including existing and prospective business owners in Birkenhead town centre.
One of the plans the council is currently working on could see significant changes to Birkenhead town centre to make it “more attractive.”
Grange Road, the main high street, could be blocked off by bollards to prevent unauthorised vehicle access, twice as many new trees put in, completely new paving, lighting, as well as seating.
Wider crossings at the Charing Cross junction will also be put in with significant changes made to part of Grange Road West to make it more like Lark Lane near Sefton Park in Liverpool.
The road will become one way between the junction and Clayton Street with parts of the street blocked off by planters and trees as part of a trial. The decision was made not to fully pedestrianise to ensure access for businesses and emergency vehicles. Outside the Little Theatre, a space could be created outside on the street.
Ms Stapleton, who lives on the road itself, said: “I am absolutely thrilled. I have been going on about Grange Road West for ages.”
Jo Harrop, who runs Placed, said around 250 people have already been in to look at the plans with around 40 to 50 people every day. The project’s being funded by the developers behind the plans for Birkenhead and features maps and illustrations of what Birkenhead could look like.
She said: “We’re trying to get a mix of people. It’s not all about numbers and maybe more that we are bringing in different people into that mix from children to older people.
“I think people are really keen to share their views, coming forward with ideas for changes and helping them see the bigger picture. People generally recognise there needs to be changes and investment in Birkenhead but there is a desire for more on offer in a smaller space as well as better connecting the town centre.
She said a top priority was to make sure any developments were “really good, high quality” and “make sure any investment benefits local people.”
The BirkenED’s Place pop-up is open in the Pyramids Shopping Centre until mid-February 2023 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays between 11-5pm.
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