The Assistant Director: Special Projects, presented the report of the Director of Regeneration and Place. The report proposed a significant regeneration opportunity for land at the former Bidston Dock in Birkenhead. It was outlined that the project would be a major catalyst to the Wirral Waters programme and would support economic, employment and visitor objectives in relation to the Liverpool City Region. The centrepiece would be a new 15,000 stadium for Tranmere Rovers Football Club alongside other leisure related activities.

Members were informed that the proposals within this report would enable a feasibility study to be carried out to enable progress with the regeneration opportunity to be assessed. If the project was able to proceed it would not only help to safeguard the future of Tranmere Rovers FC as an important “community asset” but  would also contribute to enhanced health and leisure provision as well as increased employment and long-term economic growth. The project was also seen as a catalyst for the whole Left Bank regeneration scheme and especially Wirral Waters

Members welcomed the report and queried the financial aspects of the feasibility study and associated risks attached to the project. Various aspects  the project were discussed and in particular  the environmental impact of the project in terms of flood risk, biodiversity and habitation was raised as a consideration.

Resolved – That

(1)  the Sports City Project in principle, as outlined in paragraphs 3.7 to 3.8 of the report be supported.

(2)  delegated authority be given to the Director of Regeneration and Place to:

(a) accept a grant of £100,000 from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as referred to in paragraph 4.1 of the report; and

(b) award a contract for a feasibility study into the Sports City Project, within the approved budget and to the highest scoring tenderer and in accordance with the Most Economically Advantageous Tender criteria.