THE decision by Wirral Council to grant planning permission for Peel’s Wirral Waters scheme represents a huge boost not only for Wirral and the North West but for the UK economy as a whole.

The creation of a new waterfront, extending to 500 acres of derelict dockland in Birkenhead and Wallasey, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which on completion will provide in the region of 18m sq ft of offices, retail, leisure, community and residential facilities.

It is anticipated that there will be approximately 15,000 homes with a population of around 20,000-25,000 residents to transform this area of the Wirral.

It should act as a catalyst for other schemes which will benefit from the new infrastructure and improved public transport system which will be required. The dock area was the life blood of the Wirral over 100 years ago, and this recent application will bring back vitality.

The proposals to construct high-quality, high-rise and spectacular buildings have received positive support both from the community and the council in a widespread consultation process.

Liverpool City Council has also lent its support, as undoubtedly there will be liaison between the Wirral and Liverpool Waters schemes. Wirral is already known as a wonderful place to live, work and play. There is a wide range of housing throughout the borough and Wirral has an enviable coastline, motorway connections, parks and leisure facilities.

It proved that it was able to cope with an unusually high influx of people when hosting the Open Golf Championship in 2006 at Hoylake, and the residents’ total support of these initiatives cannot help but to ensure its success.

The figures speak for themselves. A development costing approximately £4.5bn, with the creation of more than 20,000 permanent jobs, coming from a developer with a track record of producing results at the Trafford Centre and Salford Quays, can only be applauded.

Peel has already incurred substantial costs in preparing and submitting the application, and it is committed to using local labour which in turn provides a role for colleges to provide the relevant training.

It has been said that Birkenhead town centre will be affected, but it is likely that the number of residents coming in will help support all retail offerings throughout the borough.