Wirral Council has unveiled a £15m plan to transform an old railway line into a new park in Birkenhead. The council intends to purchase the disused Dock Branch rail line, which runs from Tower Road near Wirral Waters to Green Lane train station, in two parts due to concerns over potential liability for several structures along the route.
The project, which aims to stimulate regeneration in Birkenhead by making it more appealing for development, includes plans for new landscapes, a cycle and walking route, gardens, wildlife habitats and a 1,200 capacity events space linked to live music venue Future Yard. The second phase of the project would extend through Birkenhead town centre, past proposed residential developments at Hind Street to Green Lane station.
Councillors are now being asked to decide whether to buy the railway line from Network Rail in two stages or, if funding permits, in one go. However, a report set to be presented to councillors on November 6 emphasises that the project cannot proceed without the acquisition of the entire railway line.
The proposed approach would "safeguard the Council from taking on potentially significant financial liabilities associated with the structures in the northern section of the line," according to a report. However, it also highlighted that the plan to purchase the park in two parts could eventually cost the council more in the long run, reports .
This is a complete reversal of any plans put forward to date which looked to start work in the northern section first. The park was initially promised to be delivered in 2024.
A funding bid of £14.9m has been submitted by the council to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, with a decision expected in November. If approved, this funding means the park will need to be delivered by March 2027.
Wirral Council appointed SLC Property over a year ago in July 2023 to negotiate with Network Rail over purchasing the line. In September, the council received a report stating there were several liabilities related to bridges along the line.
Many of these bridges are currently public highways, which are the local authority's responsibility, and no figures have been provided for how much the council could be liable.
The Liverpool City Region has earmarked £1.4m of its funding bid to tackle structural issues within the line's walls and for the demolition of Brook Street bridge. Nevertheless, authorities have emphasised that "the bulk of the funding in this bid should be directed to creating the park rather than to addressing the structural issues."
With future funding bids submitted by the council not expected to materialise until post-2027, there is a move to acquire the southern section earlier.
This acquisition would accelerate the Hind Street Urban Village initiative, which has secured £51m of government funding and stands as one of the council's most significant regeneration plans. Over a 15-year period, Hind Street is poised to facilitate the creation of 1,500 homes.
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