Locals dismayed as former House of Fraser site remains a hole, raising questions about regeneration plans.
A local council member feels frustrated too. He said people are angry and disappointed. The council bought the site back in 2021, but today, there’s still just a hole.
The council says it is actively working on Birkenhead’s renewal. They are planning changes for key areas, and decisions about two major plans should happen in March.
A plan for a new market and homes failed because costs rose too much. Now, the market will go in the old Argos store. Some traders don’t like this decision. Money was already spent on the first market plan.
The old department store was knocked down this year, and the area is bare now. Plans are delayed. The council used funds to buy the site, and new homes should’ve started by next year.
There were warnings two years ago that the council might lose the money if things stall. The council member sees a funding problem. He wonders where the money will come from and wants to know who will build it.
This is a vital location. The council might have used a different firm earlier. Now, the Growth Company is involved again, and they will prepare the planning application. This will cost more.
The member thinks the council needs to get back to a plan, a vision for Birkenhead’s future. It should excite people again, he noted. People felt excited about the vision once.
The council says things are happening. They are building a new office, and a new market should open in 2026. They plan to add new housing.
The old House of Fraser and Price Street sites are important. They will help meet housing needs, and masterplans are coming in March next year. The Growth Company is helping a lot.
Site plans are being made. A planning application is the next step, and it helps things move forward.