DEVELOPERS behind a scheme which was pulled at the eleventh hour say they are seeking to convince Wirral Council to change its mind.
Europa Plaza Developments Limited (EPDL), the developers behind a £24m scheme to build a casino, offices and hotel at Europa Boulevard in central Birkenhead, were told the council was terminating the agreement.
The decision followed a meeting of Wirral Council’s ruling cabinet last week, held behind closed doors.
A report to the cabinet, not released to the public due to legal reasons, had said “issues had arisen concerning the deliverability” of the development.
A council spokeswoman had insisted the “decision was not taken lightly and follows extensive due diligence and a detailed report”, but said no further details could be released for legal reasons.
But a spokesman for EPDL said: “The partners behind the Europa Plaza scheme were astonished by the eleventh hour decision of Wirral Borough Council to withdraw its support for a project that has guaranteed funding and which, in the depths of a recession, would create jobs and much-needed physical regeneration in Birkenhead town centre.
“Phase one alone provided 120 full-time jobs and allowed for over £10m of inward investment to the town centre.”
He added: “The council’s action is at odds with the many months of constructive discussions between all parties and came completely out of the blue as EPDL and its contracting partners were preparing to go on site to commence works.
“EPDL and its partners are seeking further discussions with the leader of the council to explore how this important development can be salvaged.
“EPDL believes the issue which has caused the problem is not related to this development and should have been considered a separate matter. Once Wirral raised the matter EPDL and its legal representative worked tirelessly to provide a solution which would allow scheme to proceed.
“Indeed, EPDL understands that the option to allow the continuation of the Europa Plaza scheme was put in front of Wirral Borough Council cabinet for approval.”
