DEVELOPERS of a masterplan to revamp Birkenhead have voiced disappointment their £30m scheme – which was approved by Wirral Council - has now been scrapped.

The major "Down Town" project was unveiled in a fanfare at the start of the year.

It centred around demolishing the town’s Europa Pools leisure centre and rebuilding it with restaurants, a food court and hotel.

It was heralded at a catalyst for economic growth and job creation and received unanimous approval from the town hall cabinet in March.

But today Wirral Council leader Cllr Phil Davies said "more ambitious" development opportunities are now on the table.

The original blueprint - by Neptune Developments – has been shelved.

Wirral Globe:

Image of Conway Park station with the new Europa Pool complex in background

Neptune managing director Steve Parry said: “We are aware Wirral Council has decided to review the current proposals for the Europa Pool site based upon its own operational considerations.

“While we are very disappointed by this - given the council’s decision to approve the scheme earlier this year - we remain in active discussions with the council and are fully committed to playing a major role in the regeneration of Birkenhead working closely with the council.

“As a local developer with a strong track record we share Wirral Council’s ambition to deliver a transformational vision for a town centre with outstanding assets and potential.”

Councillor Davies said: “Since we launched our vision for Downtown Birkenhead earlier this year we’ve never had more interest from developers and investors.

“It has captured the imagination and we are excited about the future of the town.

“What the council has to do now is listen to these proposals, and make sure we turn them into one coherent and ambitious plan which will revitalise Birkenhead and create the jobs, economic growth and prosperity which we are so determined to deliver.

“Discussions continue with a number of developers and we are confident of having more to report in the future.”

“We've got huge ambitions for Birkenhead.

"We think it can be a fantastic destination for business, leisure and retail at the heart of the city region.”

Conservative group leader Cllr Jeff Green said: “It’s extremely disappointing.

"But what’s particularly galling is the Labour administration announced this massive scheme with all their usual spin and hoopla giving everyone the impression it was absolutely, 100 per cent, a done deal.

“But it now seems to have been a mirage and all the substance has evaporated.

“Councillor Davies indicates there are better, more exciting schemes in the pipeline. He should reveal precisely what they are immediately.”

He added: “Once again it is symptomatic of how this Labour-run council now operates that major decisions like this are announced through the media."

Oxton Liberal Democrat councillor Stuart Kelly said: "The council needs to quickly come forward with the new proposals it says are now on the table.

"I would hope this decision signals an end to the piecemeal approach to Birkenhead regeneration and any new proposals form part of a comprehensive plan covering all the derelict areas of Birkenhead including Woodside and Hind Street as well as Conway Park and the land owned by Peel".