92 Grange Road, Birkenhead (“the Property”) is situated at the heart of Birkenhead town centre and therefore forms a key site in respect of enabling any future redevelopment of the town centre to take place. The Property, shown edged red on the plan appended to this report as Appendix 1, includes a car park with 86 spaces and a rear service yard. This purchase is recommended as this Property is key to enabling the comprehensive regeneration of Birkenhead town centre which is a strategic priority for the Council.
The purchase of the Property will increase the Council’s holdings and influence over the town centre. The Property occupies a prime gateway site at the entrance to the planning central business district of Birkenhead, in close proximity to the proposed redevelopment of Milton Pavements and the residential proposals for Hind Street.
The acquisition of the Property will enhance the Council’s existing portfolio, giving it the ability to exercise control of the future use and development of the site which could influence the value of existing holdings and projected values of other Council properties in the area.
The Acquisition of the Property will defend against an alternative use which could have a negative impact on the development plans for the town. This is also a defensive acquisition to prevent an undesirable use or development which could detract from the Council’s plans to regenerate the area.