A FORMER council building in Birkenhead is set to be transformed as part of plans to 'rebuild the vibrancy of the town centre'.

Described as 'an 'overlooked gem' the Treasury Annexe in Hamilton Square is to become a vibrant open plan workspace, with separate office units for rental, while there will also be a café bar and outdoor courtyard space.

The move is part of the authority's ambition to develop its meanwhile use offer and maximise assets such as the annexe, which has largely remained vacant since most council staff were relocated last year.

Local company Make Hamilton Square, run by Make CIC who offer similar workspaces in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle and Ten Streets areas, will open a cultural hub which will provide space for local artists and makers, and will act as an incubator for creative start-up businesses looking for a dynamic environment where they can hone their skills and craft.

Cabinet member for culture and tourism, Cllr Christine Spriggs, said: "This is a really exciting step in helping rebuild the vibrancy of the town centre and Hamilton Square, while at the same time creating a space for local creatives, as well as start-up companies.

"This building is an overlooked gem, adjacent to the historic Square, close to transport links and in the heart of Birkenhead, which we want to use to its full potential.

"It is envisaged that the project will act as a catalyst for future meanwhile use projects and wider creative regeneration, aligned to our growth ambitions."

The transformation is being supported through a £23,000 grant and five-year meanwhile use lease from Wirral Council.

Cllr Spriggs continued: "As part of the legacy of our year as Borough of Culture for Liverpool City Region, Make Hamilton Square will support creative people and businesses in Wirral in 2019 and beyond.

"It's a promising venture which will encourage new and existing talent to flourish, increase local entrepreneurship and help creative and digital companies to grow boosting our local economy."

Liam Kelly, founder and chief executive of social enterprise Make CIC, said: "We're really excited to have the opportunity to extend the social impact of Make CIC.

"As a social enterprise, it's our mission to remove barriers for people to be involved in culture, creativity and the arts.

"There has been a resurgence in people making things and an ever-increasing opportunity for people to set up on their own.

"We've discovered an important ingredient for their success is to be with other people, in a hive of activity - this is what we’ll create in Hamilton Square."