Residents and businesses in New Ferry will have the chance to view and comment on the latest plans for the regeneration of the area at two public events next week.
Wirral Council – joined by project partners the Regenda Group, John McCall Architects, Mott MacDonald and BCA Landscape – will be holding public drop-in sessions at Windsor Close Community Centre on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th September, between 2.30pm and 6pm.
At these events, there will be an opportunity for people to take a look at the latest proposals which have been created with support from the Regenda Group, the council’s development partner on the scheme.
Building on the masterplan for the regeneration of New Ferry, the updated plans make greater provision for much-needed, affordable housing in the area, focusing on providing well-proportioned family homes.
Current plans would bring up to 74 new affordable homes to the area, available for affordable rent or as rent-to-buy homes. The properties will be a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments and two-, three- and four-bedroom houses.
The plans also propose improvements to the public realm and local environment, to revitalise and encourage better occupancy of existing retail space.
Cllr Tony Jones, Chair of the Economy, Regeneration and Development Committee for Wirral Council, said: “Over the last six months, council officers and specialists at the Regenda Group have worked tirelessly to bring forward detailed proposals for a comprehensive and deliverable regeneration of New Ferry, which remains a key priority for the council.
“They have built on the outline proposals set out in the initial Masterplan, which was also developed following consultation with local people, and developed plans that would transform the area, linking it more closely with Port Sunlight village at one end of Bebington Road and existing shops and businesses at the other end on New Chester Road.
“We will now look for the views of New Ferry residents and businesses once again as the Regenda Group finalises the planning application that should be put in shortly.”
Katie Davies, Head of Development for Regenda Group, added: “We feel that these plans respond well to the needs of the area, and we’re really looking forward to sharing them with the community of New Ferry next week.
“Our plans will provide sustainable new affordable homes as well as delivering training and employment opportunities. We are excited to build our relationship with local residents and businesses throughout the development period and beyond.”
Residents that would like to give their feedback on the plans will have until 30th September to submit their comments, either online or in-person at the community events on 15th and 16th. Feedback will then be used to shape an application for planning permission that is hoped will be submitted in the autumn.
The online survey will be available for completion from Thursday 15th September. If you are interested in taking part, you can register for an email reminder at https://newferryregeneration.commonplace.is/