A SENIOR government minister praised the progess of work on the Wirral Waters' project during a visit to Merseyside today.

James Wharton, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and minister for local growth and Northern Powerhouse was on a fact finding visit to Mersey Waters Enterprise Zone.

During today's visit, Mr Wharton was given a tour of Tower Wharf, the 48,000 sq ft new build office, currently due for completion in November, and the new Wirral Metropolitan College Campus, which opens on September 7.

The £11m campus will specialise in enterprise and construction and transform 500 acres of Birkenhead Dockland.

It is the first key landmark on Wirral Waters – a 30-year project by Peel Group to transform Birkenhead's dockland.

The multi-billion pound venture aims to transform Wirral's docklands into a world-class waterfront project forming part of a revived and vibrant city region.

Mr Wharton said: "Investment and innovation are at the heart of Enterprise Zones and the Wirral Metropolitan College project is a testament to what can be achieved when the public and private sector work together to support businesses and create jobs.

"What is really gratifying to see is the way this development is not only creating much needed jobs, but also creating the very skills we need to ensure the success of the Northern Powerhouse now and into the future."

Richard Mawdsley, director of development at Wirral Waters: "The minister's visit comes at an important time in Wirral Waters' progress.

"The first two buildings are near completion. We are proud that the first new build in Wirral Waters, Wirral Met College, is focused on applied skills for young people."

Sue Higginson, Principal at Wirral Metropolitan College, said: "It is really appropriate that the first building in this area is a college campus that has been specifically designed to train and educate a highly skilled construction workforce.

"Because of this, the workforce can be 'home grown' local people who can then benefit from the jobs created to build the rest of the Wirral Waters’ vision.

"I can think of no greater example of engaging local people in transforming their own community."

Wirral Council leader Cllr Phil Davies said: "Wirral is a place where business wants to invest and thrive.

"As the only area in the NW with CORE rating, we are already acknowledged as the home of the Sustainable Energy industry - supporting offshore wind projects and manufacturing for UK nuclear industry.

"Our river and port access is part of the Mersey Gateway to the Atlantic and we have a strong claim to be the preferred location for investment in advanced manufacturing in food science, automotive parts and light engineering.

"I'm delighted the Minister has been able to see for himself the remarkable achievements we have already secured and look forward to his Government’s support in helping Wirral and the wider Merseyside region achieve its devolution goals."