DEVELOPERS who have spent millions renovating what they say is the North West's "safest" tower block have said they are ready to turn the building into social housing.

Camco Estates, which owns the Union Building, formerly known as Charter House in Wallasey, have reacted to social media posts they say "heavily criticised the idea the site could be privately sold".

The firm has spent over £4m on the site, including a huge upgrade in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire, and said it would be "more than happy" to negotiate a deal with Wirral council that would see the building offered as social housing.

On Thursday, a spokesperson for Camco Estates said: "We are fully aware that austerity is forcing cash-starved councils to try to balance the books by selling off public buildings and parks at a rate of more than 4,000 a year.

"Here at Camco, our head office is positioned in the centre of Wirral and we would be more than happy to start negotiations with Wirral council to come to a deal where Charter House can be offered as much needed social housing."

According to Camco, works to the site on Union Street, which contained 42 "larger than average" two-bed apartments were completed last month before being put up for sale.

The spokesperson added: "After news of the devastation in Kensington of Grenfell Towers last June actually came as we did our initial rip out of the building in Wallasey.

"We then liaised with emergency services and health experts to make sure their building could be as safe as possible.

"We spent over £1m on every possible fire and safety improvement possible - going above and beyond what is required by UK law. 

"The 10-storey building on Union Street is now hoped to be the safest residential tower in the North West.

"We not only re-assured the local community in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster as they had concerns over living facing a 10 storey-high rise, but we have delivered on our promise."

According to Camco, the improvements include a new fire regulations lift with fire escape, new fire safety detection system in each apartment and a new klaxon alarm fitted on each floor.

Two-hour fire retardant ceilings and fire doors with closers and smoke alarms were also installed on every floor.

The block will contain 42 two-bed apartments “respecting the original design intent whilst bringing the building into the 21st Century”.

Wirral council has been contacted for comment.