THE developers of Wirral Waters' dockside regeneration scheme have unveiled plans for an industrial park as part of the multi-billion pound project.

Peel say the marine, energy and automotive park would be situated on West Float in Birkenhead, aiming to target major manufacturing and create thousands of jobs.

Also planned is a Maritime Knowledge Hub, dubbed 'university of the sea', to build on the Liverpool City Region’s strength in the maritime sector.

Heralded as the country's biggest regeneration project, the Wirral Waters scheme was launched in 2010.

It was anticipated that around 27,000 new jobs will be created over the next 30 years along with the complete transformation of derelict land at East Float Docks.

The project has come in for criticism after appearing to have stalled, prompting calls from Wirral councillor Brian Kenny for progress to be made.

But Peel confirmed this week that work has been going on behind the scenes in preparations for a range of projects including:

  • Development of Laird House office building.
  • Planning permission has also been given for housing projects.
  • Transformation of a disused Grade II, Victorian Hydraulic Tower on Tower Road into a centre for engineering skills.
  • A village hub for creative industries at Egerton Square.

In a statement, the company added that, to date, around 20 acres of derelict and dangerous buildings have been demolished to make way for the development, key sites have been serviced with power and 1500 trees planted.

Two planned projects have also been built, namely Wirral Metropolitan College's training campus and a new Contact Company call centre, Kingsgate Office.

A spokesman for Peel said: "We anticipate that 2017/18 will be important years for Wirral and Wirral Waters.

"Since the grant of planning permission significant work has taken place 'behind the scenes' in preparation for delivery including; remediation of sites, demolition of buildings and investment in infrastructure.

"These works are necessary to create sites ready for development.

"In addition, the Wirral Waters Investment Fund has now been set up.

"This, in combination of other funding sources including Single Investment Fund, will help accelerate delivery through addressing issues of viability.

"This fund is as a direct result of Wirral Waters forming part of the Mersey Waters Enterprise Zone.

"Hence we can bring oppprtunities to the market. Further Wirral Waters announcements can be expected shortly."