Construction work on new homes at a significant Merseyside development that also includes the creation of a new £15m park could begin as soon as next year.
The Hind Street urban village project is a substantial initiative aimed at establishing a new neighbourhood in Birkenhead, between Birkenhead Central and Green Lane stations. The goal is to foster an intergenerational community on currently derelict land, catering particularly to young individuals seeking to relocate or remain in the Wirral area.
Ion Developments has plans to construct 1,600 homes across 26 hectares of unused land between Green Lane and Birkenhead Central stations, offering a variety of housing options including build-to-rent properties. This new urban village proposal is one of the most ambitious put forth by Wirral Council as part of its vision for Birkenhead, with the first phase set to deliver 633 homes.
The proposal also encompasses new offices, workspaces, retail outlets, gym and fitness suites, restaurants, a new primary school, hotels, and community spaces. There's also potential for new student accommodation and a fresh cycle route.
In addition to the housing, a new park will be established. Although the ultimate plan is for it to stretch from Green Lane to Wirral Waters, initial stages will see the Dock Branch Park extend only to Jackson Street due to bridge-related issues in the northern section.
Earlier in the year, councillors backed the proposal for a new development, with funds amounting to £52 million being secured from Homes England and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. John Sisk & Son , is presently undertaking site surveys.
Ion Developments is leading the project, having previously worked on schemes such as Marine Point in New Brighton. Managing Director Steve Parry noted that prior to receiving grant funding, further site investigations were not possible.
However, progression has now accelerated, with activities gaining momentum.
Mr Parry said: "They are doing site clearing and investigations to finalise the prices. It's all progressing and going quite well. By October and November, they will start with the main remediation works.
"There's nothing untoward being found and in fact some things are better than we thought they were. It's a case of digging holes and cleaning the place up for quite a period."
With the area having once been a gas works site for Birkenhead, the redevelopment costs are higher due to contamination clearance needed to ensure homes can be built safely.
Nearby, along the eastern perimeter of the site, lies the former Dock Branch railway line, running through the centre of Birkenhead. In pursuit of further financial support, Wirral Council has lodged a bid for £14.9 million from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
Mr Parry said: "What we are looking to do with the Dock Branch Park is with most projects, that bit (the park) tends to come at the end of the scheme when everything else is finished. We are keen to bring it forward so people can use that facility early on.
"It will probably be delivered before the housing. You would be able to look over the side as it's progressing.
"It's not just sticking some houses on an old gas works. It's the full package. It's about creating a new community and new environment to live in."
Regarding the timeline for the new homes, he mentioned: "We are two years away from starting on site for housing though we are looking to try and rephase things. If part of the site needs less work, we may be looking at the latter part of next year."
In addition to the residential development, plans to dismantle the flyovers are advancing, although commencement of that works is not anticipated for another two years and will unfold in 11 phases. Ion has emphasised that the plans will undergo rigorous testing up until execution to ensure minimal disruption for motorists using the Queensway Tunnel.
