A BUSINESS hub forming part of Wirral Waters dockside regeneration scheme has been approved by councillors.

Peel Land & Property say the £7.5m facility's consent signals a major step towards securing vital funding for the project from Liverpool City Region.

The three-storey 'workspace and entrepreneurial incubator' in Tower Road, Birkenhead will support the demand for quality work space among the region's small business sector.

Richard Mawdsley, development director at Peel L&P, said: "Our 30-year strategy for Wirral Waters focuses on enabling global companies to trade alongside businesses from the Wirral and Liverpool, creating more than 20,000 permanent new jobs.

"The new Tower Road workspace has been designed with Wirral’s small business community in mind.

"From solo entrepreneurs to SMEs, the development will offer a high tech co-working environment in the centre of an internationally recognisable destination where innovation, sustainability and industry thrive."

Wirral cabinet member for regeneration and growth Cllr Tony Jones said: "This development will play a key role in bringing investment, jobs and prosperity to Wirral.

"The provision of high-quality Grade A office space is a key factor in attracting and retaining entrepreneurs and small businesses and is another important step in our longer-term vision for the borough and for Wirral Waters."