PLANS to remove the fly-overs and build on derelict land in Birkenhead are set to move a step closer to reality.

Proposals are now being developed by Wirral Council for derelict land at Hind Street, between the Mersey Tunnel entrance, Green Lane and Birkenhead Central stations to be regenerated for new housing.

Plans are also being drawn up to remove the Birkenhead Tunnel approach fly-overs to 'improve' access to the likes of Central station, The Pyramids Shopping Centre and the potential new homes.

The move comes as Wirral Council took possession of the land from the Homes and Communities Agency.

Council leader Cllr Phil Davies said: “This area to the south of Birkenhead town centre has been vacant and underused for many years and presents a very poor impression of the borough to those arriving from the tunnels.

“Now, back in Council control, this site will be combined with land already in our ownership and gives us the opportunity to develop hundreds of new homes which would bring residents back into the heart of the town and help add a vibrant, new community in Birkenhead.

“We want to explore this brownfield site as the location for modern, hi-density, affordable new homes built to the highest sustainability standards with access to not one but two underground stations, making Liverpool and Chester just minutes away for commuters.

“I have also instructed council officers to work with other nearby landowners in the area to explore ways to provide a new link road connecting the A41 to the town centre.”

These plans come as Wirral Growth Company prepares for consultation on the future of Birkenhead while exploring plans to build 300,000 sq ft of office space, create a new market and develop a 'revitalised' shopping and entertainment offering.

Cllr Davies added: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Wirral.

"It is vitally important to maintain the pace we have set in late 2018 and early 2019, and to ensure these schemes complement each other for the benefit of Wirral residents.”

Steve Parry, managing director, Ion Property Developments Ltd said: "Since the purchase of the former Birkenhead Town Station site 18 months ago, Ion has been developing a vision to create a new neighbourhood in Birkenhead in parallel with the Council's other work in the town with the Wirral Growth Company.

"Our vision has been based upon integrating the Hind Street area with the remainder of the town centre, and the removal of the flyovers is fundamental to this.

"We are now pleased to hear that the Council are adopting our vision as the way forward for this area and we look forward to working together to create this new neighbourhood.

"Birkenhead is a key focus for Ion – we feel it is the right time to move the town forward and contribute to the future economic resurgence of the area.

"New sustainable housing is just one of the key components that will drive Birkenhead’s renaissance."