Search begins for partner to help New Ferry regeneration

Developers and organisations who believe they have the vision, expertise and proven track record to bring the scheme to fruition over the coming years are now able to submit their ideas and plans via Wirral Council’s procurement portal, The Chest.

The redevelopment will be on a phased basis and is set across three key sites in the centre of New Ferry, one of which is the site of the gas explosion in 2017.

There is an endorsed masterplan already in place for the area, which includes outline planning consent for 79 homes and 1008m2 of retail/commercial space.

Parts of New Ferry that will be transformed. Picture: Richard Garnett

However, there is flexibility when it comes to some aspects of the design and as part of the submission process, bidders will be expected to put forward their own ideas and design proposals for the scheme.

In return, the Council will provide dedicated resources to assist with the full land assembly – which includes using Compulsory Purchase Powers where necessary - and site preparation. There could potentially be significant development grant funding available.

Wirral Council is undertaking highways and environmental improvements to the area, including a new public car park within the town centre. It has recently secured funding from the future high streets fund to enable this work and the development to proceed.

To find out more about this exciting opportunity and become a key partner in regenerating New Ferry, go to the-chest.org.uk. Interested parties will need to be registered on the portal to make submissions.

The deadline is midday on August 2. A period of competitive dialogue will then take place and the preferred developer should be announced by February 2022.

Alan Evans, Wirral Council's director of regeneration and place, said: "We are pressing ahead with ambitious regeneration plans across the borough, focussed on ensuring Wirral is a healthy and prosperous place to live, work and study.

"New Ferry is a key part of our plans and this call for a development partner represents an exciting and unique opportunity for the right developer to work with the council to make sure the regeneration of the area is delivered for the benefit of local residents and businesses."

The explosion, on March 25, 2017, destroyed homes and businesses, leaving locals in a state of shock.

It was so severe that some had to live in temporary accommodation for as long as two years.

FLASHBACK: The clear-up underway in 2017 after explosion in New Ferry. Picture:

In total the explosion injured 81 people, forced 83 residents to leave their homes and 32 businesses to close.

Luckily, no one was killed.

Furniture shop owner Pascal Blasio was jailed for 20 years last October after being found unanimously guilty of causing an explosion likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property and fraud involving an insurance claim he made after the blast.