PLANS to make downtown Birkenhead the most attractive postcode for companies wanting to invest in the Northern Powerhouse will be considered for approval by cabinet today.

A series of schemes and developments worth more than £150m id already set to come online this year and councillors will consider a Wirral Growth Plan to more than double that investment over the next five years.

Its aim is to attract £250 million of new private sector investment into the borough over the next five years, create 250 new businesses, generate and safeguard 5,000 jobs, and build 3,500 new homes.

Council leader Phil Davies said he wants Birkenhead and Wirral to be "first choice for developers and companies looking to invest in the Northern Powerhouse. 

"Wirral is a place investors are interested in.

"Already home to global businesses including Cammell Laird, Vauxhall Motors, Typhoo Tea and Unilever's Advanced Manufacturing Centre – businesses and employers are looking for available land, skilled staff and a strong transport and digital infrastructure - Wirral can offer all that and more. 

"There are already a number of priority schemes set to go live in 2016, including plans for the regeneration of Woodside and rejuvenation of Downtown Birkenhead, new projects in Wirral Waters including housing and waterfront developments, and improvements to Birkenhead Market and the retail and leisure offer in the town.

"Where else can investors get UNESCO World Heritage views, a working port and dock system, award winning schools and colleges and a local authority with a proven track record of supporting business?

"I'm confident our Downtown Birkenhead postcode - CH41 – can become the most attractive in the Northern Powerhouse for investment."