Wirral Growth Company has received planning approval for two new Grade-A office developments in Birkenhead, marking the first phase of its extensive regeneration masterplan.
The announcement follows the recent approval of the formal site development plan for phase one of Birkenhead Town Centre’s masterplan, as well as the WiredScore Gold standard rating that the two buildings secured earlier this summer, which will see them placed among the best in the country in terms of broadband and telecom infrastructure.
Once complete, one of the two five-storey developments will be occupied by Wirral Council, which will see 800 members of staff move into high-quality, future proofed workspace in the heart of the town. The second building will be available to let on the open market, helping to address the Liverpool City Region’s shortage in Grade-A space and creating opportunities for local businesses to grow and level-up their working environment.
The vision is to create a state-of-the-art workspace designed to WELL enabled, which means that they will be monitored in relation to their impact on human health and wellbeing through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and the mind. In doing so, spaces will be created that aim to improve the nutrition, fitness, mood, sleep patterns and performance of their occupants, helping to contribute to a more positive work-life balance for modern-day workers.
The office buildings will be complemented and connected by new outdoor public realm and open, adaptable spaces for occupiers, residents and visitors to enjoy, as well as providing opportunities for events and pop-up activities, stimulating the daytime and evening economy in the town centre.
Totalling 150,000 sq ft, the approval of these two flagship buildings is a significant milestone in Wirral Growth Company’s plans for the town, which aims to create a dynamic new commercial quarter, that in time will expand to incorporate residential and leisure uses, to help inject a new lease of life into Birkenhead.
Wirral Growth Company is a 50:50 joint venture partnership between Wirral Council and national urban regeneration specialist, Muse Developments.
Cllr Tony Jones, Chair of Wirral Council’s Economic, Regeneration and Development Committee commented: “The development of a new commercial district in the centre of Birkenhead is a vital part of changing the way that people use the town centre. Over £50m has been secured towards major regeneration in Birkenhead through the Town Deal and Future High Street Fund, which will transform the town over the coming years. Construction starting on these two buildings will be a significant and very visible step towards making that change happen and clearly demonstrates Wirral’s further commitment to its continued regeneration programme.”
Jonathan Ashcroft, project director at Muse Developments, said: “These two new office developments will anchor our wider plans for the town, and we’re excited to have reached this crucial milestone so that we can begin to progress on site.
“We know from experience the impact that a successful office development can have on a town. As more businesses, and most importantly people, gravitate to the space, it acts as a catalyst for further investment and regeneration, resulting in a destination that people enjoy spending time in. That’s our vision for Birkenhead too and we look forward to seeing those plans now start to come to fruition.”
