Plans for waterfront and historic square approved

Plans to transform a waterfront and historic square have been given the go-ahead by a council.

Birkenhead is set to see a new plaza at Woodside Ferry Terminal and changes to road layouts around Hamilton Square and Argyle Street.

The plans, unanimously approved by Wirral councillors, include parking restrictions in some areas, new cycle lanes and new walking routes.

The council said the plans would allow people to make a choice about how they can get around in an area where 40% of people do not own a car.

At the Wirral Council committee meeting on Monday concerns were raised by Councillor Jenny Johnson who criticised the low number of people responding to the public consultation, as well as the possible impact on car drivers.

The council had written to 3,000 people and businesses as well as engaged people online, but only 40 people responded, with more than half of those opposed.

However, officers said through three rounds of public consultation, they had addressed some initial concerns, and some of the responses, like that provided by Make It Happen CIC, were on behalf of multiple people.

On the issue of cars, Luke Bithell said: "It's very car dominant at the moment, especially the gyratory down in Woodside."

"The aim isn't to make it harder for car owners; it's to make it easier to walk, cycle, wheel, and use public transport to get around."

Councillor Liz Grey said improving the area could see a boost for businesses in the long run.

Despite the approval by councillors, the disruption caused by roadworks during the regeneration loomed over the debate.

In the centre of Birkenhead, businesses have complained about lost business as a result of construction work there for a similar regeneration scheme.

Officers said they were working with Merseytravel on timelines, and the current contractor in charge of designing the scheme was well aware of the issues and the work could start later this year.

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