Further plans have been submitted amid efforts to turn the site of the former Bromborough Civic Centre into a retirement living development. The Civic Centre and library were sold by Wirral Council to retirement property developer McCarthy & Stone after being put on the market in 2024.
The Bromborough Civic Centre, which contains the library, closed in 2022. It was one of a number of libraries across the borough that were shut by the council in a cost-cutting drive.
Last year, the property developer submitted plans to Wirral Council seeking permission to build a new retirement living housing development on the site. New documents have this week appeared on the council’s planning portal, giving a fresh look at how the proposed building could look.
The L-shaped housing block on Allport Lane would comprise of 46 apartments, which would go on sale to older people. The block would consist of 29 one-bedroom apartments and 17 two-bedroom apartments.
The building would be placed on the south of the Civic Centre site, with a car park planned for the north of the site, near the boundary with the neighbouring Co-op food store.
Newly revealed mock-ups of the proposals show the three-storey building having a mixed-colour façade consisting of both red brick and white rendered areas. Previous mock-ups had suggested the building would be fully brick.
Explaining the concept of the type of housing, plans submitted to the council say, “Retirement living housing is a proven option for older people who wish to move into accommodation that provides comfort, security and the ability to manage independently to a greater extent.
“It enables older people to remain living in the community and out of institutions whilst enjoying peace of mind and receiving the care and support that they need.”
Plans also claimed that the development could benefit the local area through employment opportunities. They said, “McCarthy & Stone manages its construction sites and employs sub-contractors to conduct the building activities. The level of employment varies during the construction but on average around 35 people will be employed over a 12-month build programme.
“McCarthy & Stone encourages all its sub-contractors to employ local labour sources, particularly those who are currently unemployed. It also encourages sub-contractors to employ apprentices.”
Image: Bromborough retirement living block mock-up. Credit: McCarthy & Stone/Ridge
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