Opening phase of Wirral Waters set to win backing

Apr 28 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

AMBITIOUS plans to redevelop a derelict building on the Birkenhead-Wallasey docks are set to be given the green light by Wirral Council’s planners.

The scheme by Peel Holdings would be the first by the company towards their multi-billion pound vision to transform the area with their Wirral Waters scheme.

The application is due to be heard by Wirral Council planning committee on May 8, and officers have recommended it be approved.

The company wants to redevelop the former Hydraulic Tower, on Tower Road, in Seacombe, and convert it into a waterside restaurant, as well as building a four-storey hotel building, with parking, next to it.

The plans also include “public realm improvement” and landscaping to gentrify the surrounding area, which remains a working dock with the bridge rising regularly to allow ships in and out.

But the key element of the scheme is the redevelopment of the hydraulic tower which was bomb damaged during World Ward II.

The report by planning officers said: “It is a well-known local landmark building that was designed as a rich prominent visual centre point for the docks.

“The proposal responds to the Tower's visual status by allowing the Hydraulic Tower to remain the dominant structure on the site.”

The report added: “Given the future aspirations of the applicant for the docklands areas as a whole, under the Wirral Waters proposals, it is reasonable to conclude that this proposal could go some way to sparking the regeneration of an otherwise abandoned dock frontage on one of the main routes through the borough.”

Peel Holdings’ full £4bn scheme for Wirral Waters is projected to take decades to realise.

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

This first scheme was described in the supporting documents for the planning application as an “early win” and would be aiming to spark further regeneration of the area.

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.

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.

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