Waterfront English town reveals £51million transformation – with new hotels, New York-style park and food market hall
AN English town is getting a huge makeover – with New York-style gardens and new hotels.
Birkenhead in Wirral has been given £51million as part of a number of developments set to transform the town.
Also dubbed the ‘capital of Wirral’ the Birkenhead 2040 Framekwork is an ambitious project transofrming the town in the next 20 years.
One of the new attractions includes the transformation of an abandoned railway line into a £15million park, similar to one in New York.
The train line is said to be one of the oldest stretches of track in the world, although closed back in the 1990s.
Inspired by High Line in New York, Dock Brand Park would be a “world-class” park with an urban garden village at the end, home to walking routes and wildlife.
Chair of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee, Tony Jones, said, “Dock Branch Park is one of the many exciting proposals we have for bringing true regeneration across Wirral’s Left Bank, from Bromborough to New Brighton.
“Dock Branch Park will be one of the centrepieces of the revitalisation of Birkenhead.”
New hotels will also be part of the project, as well as a new event space with live music, cafe and bar.
More food and drink venues, swimming pools and green spaces are part of the plans.
There is also a new £14million Birkenhead Market, which will be an indoor-outdoor attraction.
Stores inside the 33,000sqft venue include food stores including bakeries, coffee stands and fresh fruit, veg and meat stores.
There will also be shops selling things like shows and books, as well as a dining area with food stands and a bar.
Both indoor and outdoor seating is part of the plan too.
Wirral Council Leader Cllr Paul Stuart said: “We will shape the new market in its new location, a space that holds great potential to perfectly meet the current and future needs of our vibrant shopping area,.”
Birkenhead waterfront will also undergo renovations, with new paths and improvements that have the ‘best views’ of the city.
The plans have said it is the “Brooklyn to the New York skyline”.
The fund also includes building 1,500 new homes well as a school and commercial space.
Also in Wirral is New Brighton, which once rivalled Blackpool.
Once also home to the UK’s tallest tower and biggest lido – both of which have been removed – there are hopes to restore it as a tourist destination.
A new floating lido as well as beach park and 300-room hotel could soon open.
Salford is said to be having a revival too, according to a Brit who has been to all 76 cities in the UK.
Also hoping to become a media city is Basildon, with a £15million project hoping to turn it into the BBC Media City of South Essex.
Brighton’s new £13.7million renovation is transforming the seafront with new beach park and gardens.
And a town in the UK has been nicknamed the “new Berlin” due to a £1million revamp.