Wirral Council may redirect funds from transport museum and ferry village projects to other initiatives in Birkenhead.
The council gave £4.5m to revive Birkenhead’s Transport Museum, which has been closed since 2023. Big Heritage took over and wanted a top transport attraction. In December 2024, they almost doubled the ferry village funding, going from £396,000 to £749,654. Woodside Area CIC runs that project, connecting to the Wirral Chamber of Commerce.
The report said that ten to eighteen jobs could happen and the building would last for generations. It stated that it could improve the visitor attraction a lot and add quality food and leisure. Big Heritage wanted to make the museum bigger and considered a building on Pacific Road. This property is run by the Wirral Chamber of Commerce.
Two months later, the projects face uncertainty as the council might use the funds for different plans. These include a new Birkenhead Market in the old Argos, and public realm works are also a possibility. Someone in the council criticized the plan, calling it incompetent and lacking leadership. The person thinks money goes to failing projects.
Wirral Council did not offer any comment. Big Heritage was asked for a comment. The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has concerns and worries about the impact on their ferry terminal plans. The authority still supports all partners and remains committed to revitalizing the Woodside area. Ferry landing stage work proceeds and should finish in the summer.
Woodside Area CIC said they helped Birkenhead’s waterfront greatly since 2018, using a food village and weekend markets. The entity also arranged entertainment, boosting the area, aiding businesses, and creating jobs. They think Birkenhead’s heritage matters and believe it could attract many more visitors. Partners made progress on the transport museum and support heritage promotion. Their goal is to attract more visitors to Birkenhead.
Woodside could still help Birkenhead’s visitor economy. The CIC will promote local business and growth, wanting benefits for businesses and everyone. Wirral Council might cut business support services too, which could save £390,000 over two years. The Wirral Chamber of Commerce provides this now. Paula Basnett chairs the Wirral Chamber and is suggested to replace Paul Stuart, who plans to leave his council leader role in May.