The council’s leader said: “Our focus is on delivering real benefits”
Conway Street, Birkenhead.(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
An action plan has been put forward to try and turn a struggling Merseyside town around after millions were recieved by Wirral Council. A bold vision was put forward to change the face of Birkenhead but a review found significant failures, unrealistic expectations, and avoidance of making difficult decisions.
The local authority, which is in no-overall political control, has promised regeneration of deprived areas of the borough for years. However there has been controversy in recent months and a major town centre scheme in Birkenhead was under investigation over the summer.
In July, Wirral Council appointed consultants Aughton Lane to look at the council’s approach to regeneration over the last three years. As part of this review, the local authority was told to produce a recovery plan for Birkenhead town centre.
Councillors were told they needed a reality check at times and trust had broken down between officers and elected members with the situation described as unhealthy and toxic.
With no model for delivery, a complex regeneration programme, and multiple masterplans that had no funding to back them up, the review said “this led to considerable failures across a number of fronts”.
The council’s action plan has now been published ahead of a policy and resources committee meeting on December 17. This includes a refresh of the Birkenhead 2040 framework, a vision to completely transform the town.
The local authority will also work in developing new partnership models to deliver regeneration, bring in a new method of delivery, and appoint an interim executive director in January as well as a new assistant director to oversee major projects. Visits to areas doing well will be carried out early next year.
Cllr Paula Basnett said the focus was on action going forward(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
A report before councillors said some actions have already been taken, but added: “The council faces significant financial challenges, with limited capacity for additional borrowing or unfunded commitments.
“Regeneration activity must be funded through existing allocations, private sector investment, and targeted external funding. Ambitions will need to be scaled to available resources, and all schemes will require comprehensive financial appraisal and risk assessment.”
The report added: “The council’s constrained resources and challenging budget position mean that any cost overruns or unfunded commitments could have serious implications for overall financial sustainability.
“This requires strict prioritisation of projects and robust financial appraisal before decisions are made and during project delivery.”
Wirral Council leader Cllr Paula Basnett, said: “The review has concluded, and the focus now is firmly on action. This is a positive reset for regeneration in Wirral.
“We’ve listened, we’ve learned, and now we’re acting. The refreshed approach will provide clarity, stability, and confidence for our communities and partners.
“Our focus is on delivering real benefits for residents and ensuring regeneration plays its part in a sustainable future for the borough.”