Homes England has partnered with Liverpool City Region to invest £51 million for the regeneration of a former gasworks in Birkenhead.
The government’s housing and regeneration agency agreed a £29 million investment in the project, following a £22 million commitment from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
Hind Street Urban Garden Village is a major transformation project on the Wirral which will see derelict land around the area transformed into a more than 1,500 homes community.
The scheme will also feature: a new park, improved transport links, commercial space and leisure facilities.
The investment will fund infrastructure works needed to unlock the site and deliver the first 633 homes.
According to the Archaeology Data Service The Birkenhead and Claughton Gas and Water Works were established by a company of shareholders in 1841, with a capital stock of £10,000 divided into 2000 shares.
They were acquired by the town in 1858 and the site was expanded and additional structures added through the 19th
In 2017, The Wirral Globe reported work had begun to dismantle the gas holders after gas production ceased in 1977.
This follows the signing of a Strategic Place Partnership (SSP) between Homes England and the Combined Authority.
The agreement is designed to support regions with the most ambitious proposals for housing growth, and is a long-term commitment, centred around a shared plan for bringing those proposals forward.
The project is being delivered by Wirral Council in partnership with developers Ion, who have been commissioned to undertake Development Management services.
This includes the design of the scheme, the remediation and infrastructure works required and the submission of the planning application.
Subject to planning approval, it is expected to start on site in 2025 and finish in 2027.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Through our Strategic Place Partnership with Homes England, we’re accelerating transformational projects like Hind Street, turning derelict land into vibrant, sustainable communities that our region deserves.
“This project will serve as a blueprint for the type of regeneration we want to see across the Liverpool City Region.
“It’s a prime example of how, by working together, we can unlock opportunities and remove the barriers holding our region back.
“By delivering key infrastructure and attracting investment, we’re ensuring that local people benefit directly from the improvements, making this a place where everyone has the chance to thrive.”
Peter Denton, chief executive of Homes England, said: “The Strategic Place Partnership model gives us a framework to support local leaders who have a strong vision for housing and regeneration in their area.
“The Liverpool City Region is undoubtedly an area with huge potential for growth and is somewhere the government has already shown commitment to.”
Wirral Council leader Councillor Paul Stuart said: “This additional funding will really help to accelerate our plans to change this part of Birkenhead for the benefit of local communities.
“I’m pleased our ambitious ideas to transform this key area have this backing, enabling us to get started bringing along new homes, public spaces and better-connected living for our residents.
“Our regeneration strategy looks beyond changes to the built environment to see that in the long term, when regeneration is people-focussed, it reduces inequalities, creates employment opportunities and improves the health and wellbeing of those individuals and families who are making their homes and lives in our borough.”
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