PLANNING permission has been given for two new offices in Birkenhead forming part of the town's regeneration "masterplan".

It means work on Wirral Growth Company's two new Grade-A offices can go ahead.

Once complete, one of the two five-storey developments will be occupied by Wirral Council, for use by 800 members of staff.

The second will be available to let on the open market, helping to address the Liverpool City Region's shortage in Grade-A space and creating opportunities for local businesses to grow and level-up their working environment.

Spaces will be created that aim to improve the nutrition, fitness, mood, sleep patterns and performance of its occupants, with the aim of helping contribute to "a more positive work-life balance for modern-day workers".

Totalling 150,000 sq ft, the approval of these two flagship buildings has been described by the developers as "a significant milestone" in Wirral Growth Company's plans for the town, which aim "to create a dynamic new commercial quarter, that in time will expand to incorporate residential and leisure uses, to help inject a new lease of life into Birkenhead".

Wirral Growth Company is a 50:50 joint venture partnership between Wirral Council and national urban regeneration specialist, Muse Developments.

Cllr Tony Jones, chair of Wirral's economic, regeneration and development Committee, said: "The development of a new commercial district in the centre of Birkenhead is a vital part of changing the way that people use the town centre.

"Over £50m has been secured towards major regeneration in Birkenhead through the Town Deal and Future High Street Fund, which will transform the town over the coming years.

"Construction starting on these two buildings will be a significant and very visible step towards making that change happen and clearly demonstrates Wirral's further commitment to its continued regeneration programme."

Jonathan Ashcroft, project director at Muse Developments, said: "These two new office developments will anchor our wider plans for the town, and we're excited to have reached this crucial milestone so that we can begin to progress on site.

"We know from experience the impact that a successful office development can have on a town.

"As more businesses, and most importantly people, gravitate to the space, it acts as a catalyst for further investment and regeneration, resulting in a destination that people enjoy spending time in.

"That's our vision for Birkenhead too and we look forward to seeing those plans now start to come to fruition."