WORK is due to start on transforming Wirral's former Pacific Road arts centre into a state-of-the-art business hub.

The £900,000 redevelopment is part of Wirral Chamber's plan to create a number of business hubs throughout the borough to meet the demands of its fast-expanding business community.

Work starts on Monday and is expected to be finished by June 29, when Hargreaves Contracting Ltd will hand over the building to Wirral Chamber of Commerce.

The hub, approved by Wirral's ruling cabinet last year, will provide total floor space of 16,000 sq ft, providing office units for around 17 businesses. It is believed the building will be able to house 200 pepple.

Paula Basnett, the chamber's chief executive, said: "The demand we have encountered has been astounding.

"In recent months we have been in talks with a number of companies that are very keen to move into Pacific Road as soon as possible.

"I have no doubts that this scheme will significantly enhance the business district of Birkenhead."

Council leader Phil Davies said: "I am delighted that work will commence shortly on the new Pacific Road Business Hub.

"This will provide high quality accommodation for small businesses and is yet another example of the excellent partnership between the Wirral Chamber of Commerce and Wirral Council.

"Birkenhead has already been recognised nationally as an area with one of the fastest growing small business sectors and this scheme will provide state-of-the-art facilities to further enhance our offer and deliver economic growth."

Pacific Road became the principal venue for the acclaimed Wirral International Guitar Festival - now staged at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton - attracting music fans from across the country and overseas.

But its future was thrown into the melting pot in 2010 when it was declared "surplus to requirements" by the council.

1970s Liverpool art-pop pioneers Deaf School reformed and played there in December of 2011 - the centre's last ever performance and the official closing night for Pacific Road as a rock venue.

Its fate was effectively sealed in 2012 by a dramatic U-turn from Merseytravel, whose board scrapped a long-standing proposal to transfer ownership to the transport authority - and no real progess has been made in finding it a new role until now.

The Pacific Road Business Hub project is part financed through £315,000 from the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013, together with a Growing Places Fund repayable loan, and an upfront investment from Wirral Chamber of Commerce.