Having previously declared a prejudicial interest, Councillor Tony Jones vacated the room during consideration of this item (minute 31 refers).

Sally Shah, Assistant Director- Chief Regeneration Officer, introduced a report on the Economy Regeneration and Development Committee’s recommendations, from its meeting on 26 July, 2021 in respect of Wirral Growth Company: Birkenhead Phase 1: Final Site Development Plan (SDP). A supplement to the agenda had been circulated with the minute of the Economy and Regeneration Committee.

The implementation of the SDP would directly support the regeneration of Birkenhead which had been a long-term priority for the Council. It supported the Council’s ambitions around sustainable development and the generation of a prosperous inclusive economy where people could get good jobs and achieve their aspirations regardless of their background or where they lived. 

Specifically, the delivery of Phase 1 of the plan would result in the construction of circa 150,000 sq.ft (13,900 sq.m) of Grade ‘A’ office accommodation in two buildings referred to as A1 and A2 with associated quality public realm. The larger of the two buildings A1 measuring 89,591 sq.ft (8,323 sq.m) would be occupied by Council employees while the second building A2 measuring 58,176 sq.ft (5,405 sq.m) would be let on the open market to commercial occupiers.

Through taking the head lease on the first two office buildings and relocating up to 800 administrative staff into the Birkenhead Commercial District the Council would intervene to unlock and drive forward the regeneration of Birkenhead Town Centre.

This matter was being referred to Policy and Resources Committee because in accordance with the Council’s Constitution any issue regarding land and property including major acquisition and disposals, which included reserved decision making concerning any purchase, sale or transfer of a value in excess of, or likely to exceed, £100,000; was reserved to the Policy and Resources Committee.

On a motion by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Yvonne Nolan, it was -

Resolved – That the Formal Site Development Plan for Birkenhead Commercial District Phase 1, be approved.