A REGENERATION project on the Wirral costing £4.5b proposing to revolutionise the dilapidated docks has been welcomed by Ellesmere Port and Neston MP Andrew Miller.
The futuristic Wirral Waters project – which includes more than 13,500 new homes, hotels, offices, and shops as well as culture, education, leisure and community areas – was granted planning permission last week.
Mr Miller said: “I think it’s a very welcome development because there is increasingly a shortage of accommodation in the area and the more development there, or wherever, releases spaces from previous houses so there’s a knock-on effect to all people in our communities.
“It’s a very positive development as a step towards the development of the dock sites in Ellesmere Port as well.
“It’s not part of the same project but the fact that Peel have got the confidence to go ahead at the present time encourages me in terms of the potential development in Ellesmere Port.”
It is hoped the plans will create tens of thousands of jobs during construction and about 27,000 jobs on completion.
Developers Peel Holdings, who are behind the scheme on the docklands between Birkenhead and Wallasey, say it will rival waterfront developments across the globe.
The scheme, the largest urban regeneration project in the UK, also includes plans to revamp rail and bus stations and even help fund new trains for Merseyrail.
Peel development director Lindsey Ashworth said: “This is an historic day for the future of Wirral and the entire region.”
Peel now face a nervous wait to see if the plans will be called in for a public inquiry but it is hoped work will begin during 2012.
