£3m could be awarded to seven city projects

New market with food sellers could come to the waterfront opposite Liverpool

Wirral Council is set to reallocate £3.1 million to seven different projects in Birkenhead and New Ferry, including plans for a larger ferry village at Woodside. The money will come from grants allocated to two projects which were abandoned by local authorities.

Money originally earmarked for a transport exhibition with the new Dock Branch park as well as a Wirral Waters sustainability project is now up for grabs. A board overseeing the council’s regeneration grants has recommended money be given to seven projects.

This includes improvements to New Ferry’s main street following an explosion seven years ago, the new submarine museum, Future Yard, a new health and wellbeing center called Joy, the Start Yard business centre, Birkenhead Priory, and expanded plans for the ferry village at Woodside.

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Councilors are being asked on December 4 to approve the transfer of funds to budgets, approve plans for the new ferry village and reallocate up to £5.2m to the new ferry in the future if funding becomes available. If funding is not reallocated, the council could risk being taken over by the government with a deadline set for March 2026.

The biggest change is Woodside Ferry Terminal, a Grade II listed building. The new plans will occupy the entire building with new floor space, more food vendors, event space and a commitment to supporting independent businesses.

According to a council report, this project “has been significantly expanded”. The project will be delivered by Woodside Area CIC who will receive additional funding of £748,654.

Big Heritage still receives £390,000 while Future Yard is set to receive £290,283. The Joy Health and Wellbeing Hub is to receive £250,000 while Start Yard will receive £100,000.

Public realm works in New Ferry will receive the largest share, with £1.2 million earmarked for the regeneration of the town, while improvements to Birkenhead Priory will receive £80,585.