TOWER Road in Birkenhead will reopen to pedestrians, cyclists and drivers tomorrow after a £3.2million transformation aimed at encouraging sustainable travel.

Linking to existing cycling and walking routes, the improvements aim to make travelling around the borough on foot or bike accessible to more residents and support the wider regeneration of the area.

The work, carried out by Wirral-based civil engineering contractor, Cambrianway, included widening of pavements, installation of new separate walking and cycling routes, new crossing facilities and planting of 130 trees.

Wirral Globe:

The new Tower Road roundabout

Designed and delivered in partnership with Peel L&P, the project, which began in June, is described as "the first significant streetscape project at Wirral Waters" and aims to bring more visitors, students and businesses to the area.

The aim is to create further job opportunities as well as supporting the existing businesses, including Wirral Met Construction Training College and The Contact Company offices.

Cllr Anita Leech, chair of Wirral's economy, regeneration and development committee said: "The £3.2 million investment project is not only part of the wider cycling and walking infrastructure but the Wirral Waters development and the regeneration of the borough to create improved, safer and greener environments to live and work.

"This project, will be a significant starting point for this regeneration and will bring essential jobs for local people and a platform for new businesses to develop – something that as we continue to deal with the impacts of COVID-19 will help provide a much-needed boost the economy and the morale of the community when we begin to recover."

Cllr Liz Grey, chair of Wirral's environment, climate emergency and transport committee said: "The changes made to this area are the perfect example of the shift that we all need to make over the next few years, to become more environmentally-friendly and adapt to greener ways of living and travelling.

"With more facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, I hope this will encourage more people to choose to walk or bike to their destination, rather than using the car.”

Richard Mawdsley, director of development at Peel L&P's Wirral Waters, said: "The Tower Road area of Wirral Waters is set to become a thriving community, and this new streetscape project is an important part of making it a place where people are happy to live, work and visit.

"The streetscape has been designed to make active travel options such as cycling and walking as safe and easy as possible and is part of our wider strategy to attract new businesses and further investment to the area."

"We're very pleased to have made another step towards making Wirral Waters one of the most sustainable regeneration projects in the UK."

Funding for the project came from the National Productivity Investment Fund, the Department of Transport, Wirral Council, Peel L&P, Wirral Waters Investment Fund and European Structural and Investment Fund.

A council spokesperson said some minor works will continue until later this month but will not impact drivers, cyclists and pedestrians using Tower Road.