THE scene of destruction at Milton Pavements is part of a major project to overhaul Birkenhead.

Demolition work, which has been taking place over recent months at the site will allow the plans to move forward.

The plan for the site, which forms the first phase of the town’s regeneration, will bring forward 150,000 square feet of office space for new businesses and Wirral Council.

The authority believes this will drive an increase in footfall, which will make the area a more vibrant place to be.

The demolition comes after Milton Pavements was bought by the Wirral Growth Company (WGC), a 50/50 partnership between Wirral Council and urban regeneration specialist Muse Developments, in November.

Wirral Globe:

The site will be home to Birkenhead's new office quarter in the future (Credit Louie Ruhe)

The office space is just the first phase of WGC’s regeneration plans.

Beyond this phase, new food and drink outlets, plus retail outlets are being considered to make the town a nicer place to be in the evening.

Transport is key to the transformation agenda, with improved pedestrian, cycling and public transport access to the town centre a key aim for the WGC.

A new site for Birkenhead Market is another exciting part of the programme.

Commenting on the regeneration project when the purchase of Milton Pavements was confirmed last November, the council was emphatic about its potential.

Its statement read: "[The plans will create] new and revamped neighbourhoods, with innovative digital and built environments that will provide sustainable housing and high quality connectivity, including active and green travel, access to employment opportunities and inclusive leisure activities."

Also in November, Cllr Anita Leech, chair of the economy and regeneration committee, said: "It is our responsibility within the council to make the decisions and take the actions which will lead to the long-term prosperity of our local communities and, for Birkenhead, this is tied into the development of the centre.

"The purchase of Milton Pavements has given us the opportunity to reimagine our town centre, to upgrade and enhance the built environment and to maximise the commercial possibilities that will be open to us.

"A revitalised town centre will give us a bright and thriving future and we are committed to achieving this for our local communities.”