£250m Wirral Growth Plan to create 250 businesses and 5,000 jobs

The leader of Wirral Council has revealed a plan to turn part of Birkenhead into one of the most attractive areas for businesses looking to invest in the Northern Powerhouse.

Announcing the details of the Wirral Growth Plan, Cllr Phil Davies said the project will aim to pull in £250m in private sector investment by 2020, create or safeguard 5,000 jobs, build 3,500 homes and launch 250 new businesses.

With several schemes and developments worth over £150m set to come online over the course of the next 12 months, the council’s new growth plan will potentially double investment in the area over the next five years.

As part of the drive, Cllr Davies said he intends to make the Wirral, and Birkenhead in particular, the number-one choice for businesses that want to invest in the North.

He said: “Wirral is a place investors are interested in. Already home to global businesses including Cammell Laird, Vauxhall Motors, Typhoo Tea and Unilever’s Advanced Manufacturing Centre – businesses and employers are looking for available land, skilled staff and a strong transport and digital infrastructure – Wirral can offer all that and more.”

“There are already a number of priority schemes set to go live in 2016, including plans for the regeneration of Woodside and rejuvenation of Downtown Birkenhead, new projects in Wirral Waters including housing and waterfront developments, and improvements to Birkenhead Market and the retail and leisure offer in the town.”

He continued: “Where else can investors get UNESCO World Heritage views, a working port and dock system, award winning schools and colleges and a local authority with a proven track record of supporting business?”

The Wirral Growth Plan has been put together by Wirral Council with a number of local partners, including Wirral Metropolitan College and Wirral Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber’s CEO, Paula Basnett, commented: “It is of great importance that all organisations work together to create an environment which will offer employment, growth and economic prosperity.

“Wirral Chamber of Commerce will support those initiatives which will bring positive benefits to Wirral, its businesses and its residents.”