Future of Wirral’s Woodside under the spotlight
Around 1,700 homes, two hotels, and a major tourist attraction all feature in a vision drawn up for the waterside location.
Underpinned by £23m of government funding for improving public realm and enhancing connectivity between the waterfront and Birkenhead town centre, the Woodside masterplan forms part of Wirral Council’s concerted effort to regenerate the Left Bank area of the peninsula.
A consultation on the vision for Woodside, drawn up for the council and BDP, is now live.
View the consultation – https://haveyoursay.wirral.gov.uk/woodside-masterplan
Cllr Tony Jones, chair of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee, said: “The Woodside Masterplan is another vital piece in the wider regeneration of Birkenhead and the Left Bank area of Wirral.
“This is a chance for people to have a look at the ideas being put forward and tell us what they think. We have secured considerable funding for regeneration and we want to press ahead but it is vital that the regeneration works for the people of this borough – so please use this chance to tell us your thoughts about these proposals so we can make sure this meets the needs of those who ought to benefit the most from it.”
He added that “no final decisions have been made” and that the consultation on the proposal “shows the scale of our ambitious regeneration programme for Wirral”.
According to the masterplan, the future Woodside neighbourhood could include 1,700 homes and a pair of hotels.
In addition, the vision features proposals for a tourist attraction centred around the historic German U-534 submarine, more than 100,000 sq ft of commercial uses, and two multi-storey car parks.
The largest single development plot within the masterplan area is Woodside Business Park, owned by Peel Waters, according to the masterplan.
The Child Support Agency Building and the Land Registry building also present future development opportunities.
Wirral’s emerging local plan designates the Woodside area as a “mixed-use cultural riverside quarter with superb visitor attractions”.
The consultation runs until 4 March 2024.
BDP led the creation of the masterplan. Credit: via Woodside masterplan
Yet another regeneration proposal from Wirral. Certainly got the bit between their teeth.
Woodside is a stunning site with the best view of any British city. Are these proposals ambitious enough to do it justice?
By Anonymous
This site has fantastic potential, lots of public land can initiate the project.., and some regeneration financing to kick it off . Possibly the best site in the city region
By George
This could be a great development and with brilliant views
By Liverpolitis
This location has in my opinion the best view of Liverpools iconic skyline and waterfront. This site will make a fantastic addition to the wider regeneration plans along the Left Bank. Also an ideal site for apartments and new homes.
By Wirral Lad
Never mind the hotels, what about doctors, dentists , schools, nurseries for all of these homes , actual services.
By Anonymous
I hope it will not destroy the fascinating historical buildings which are from the origin of the borough. Surely there must be room for both?
By M Davies
Left Bank only 3 minutes from the city centre (James Street) on the metro. No reason why Woodside shouldn’t be as vibrant as the Albert Dock!
By Priory Wharf
Not happy at all, can’t even accommodate the residents you have. Has anyone even thought of parking and the congestion that many homes will cause?
By Anonymous
Not great at all for the residents who live here already! Already came in heavy handed to clear some land, maybe they’ve let Woodside decline over the years by stopping buses coming down, stopping the ferry etc so it would look like this ‘regeneration’ is what’s needed! Few quid going in somebody’s back pocket for sure! Shameful
By JCA
Totally embarrassing at present
The old Woodside Hotel site is an embarrassment!!! Why is it still such a mess, who owns this land ?
By Anonymous