First steps in the Wirral Waters as tower plan unveiled

Mar 14 2008 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

THE first plans connected with the biggest regeneration scheme ever proposed for Wirral have been submitted to the local authority.

Peel Holdings’ full scheme for Wirral Waters is projected to take decades to realise.

But, although little has been said since its launch 18 months ago, the company has been working behind the scenes to develop its project.

Plans are set to begin with the redevelopment of the iconic Central Hydraulic Tower, at the Four Bridges, in Seacombe, into a restaurant and hotel complex.

This has been described in the supporting documents for the planning application as an “Early Win” and would be aiming to spark further regeneration of the area.

This first Wirral Waters planning application made by Peel as part of the scheme was warmly welcomed by the council’s cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Pat Hackett, who said the application was “the first part of an exciting step in the massive redevelopment of the waterside dock area”.

Cllr Hackett said: “They have been talking about a £4.5bn investment over the next 30 years.

“Peel tell us they can see the fantastic potential of this location and this is the first step, with, I expect, many more schemes to come before us.”

The planning application is for “part demolition, refurbishment and extension of the former Hydraulic Tower into a restaurant with ancillary display space and managers accommodation” along with a “four-storey hotel building, parking, public realm improvement and landscaping”.

The company plans to build a 105 square metre glazed extension to the Tower to provide waterside dining and add an outside terrace.

The Tower was built in 1868 by the then Dock Engineer Jesse Hartley, and bears a striking resemblance to Siena’s Gothic town hall Torre del Mangia.

Documentation submitted to Wirral Council hints at the progress Peel have made with their ambitious plans.

The hotel, located immediately to the south of the tower, would be run by a “three and a half star” operator and provide 91 bedrooms.

According to Peel’s application, “the Hydraulic Tower is considered as the key anchor to the north of this quarter.”

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