Woodside receives £30 million investment for regeneration projects

Residents of Wirral are expressing frustration over slow progress on promised regeneration projects, particularly in Woodside and Birkenhead. They are unhappy after the local council reduced funding for the Wirral Transport Museum from £4.5 million to £1.5 million, leading to concerns about the state of Hamilton Square. During a recent council meeting, Dean Paton, CEO of Big Heritage, criticized the council's management of local projects. He mentioned that Birkenhead has had enough of being offered mediocre proposals. Following the meeting, officials have until April 23 to submit a case for the Transport Museum funding, or the money will be redirected. The council has already taken £1.2 million from other projects, including the Woodside Ferry Village, to support plans for a new Birkenhead market and improvements in New Ferry and Birkenhead Town Centre. Despite the setbacks, Wirral Council leaders hope to secure £30 million for Woodside with the government’s assistance. They have plans for a new public park and improvements to the ferry terminal, with some work already in progress. However, many locals feel the area has been neglected and are calling for immediate action. Val McHarron, a long-term resident, voiced disappointment about the area's decline, mentioning the disrespectful appearance that visitors encounter. Others echoed her concerns, urging the council to deliver on their promises and invest in the community. Although progress is happening, such as the development of a new Battle of the Atlantic Museum, residents remain skeptical of the long-term effectiveness of the regeneration efforts. Cllr Helen Raymond emphasized the need to focus on projects that deliver results quickly. Despite the council's challenges, Mr. Paton remains hopeful about the future. He believes that successful regeneration can be achieved in Woodside, comparing it to Liverpool's successful Pier Head revitalization.