Wirral Council has approved plans to transform a derelict building near Birkenhead's Hamilton Square into a large house in multiple occupation (HMO). The former Rocky's gym on Argyle Street will be converted into a 24-bed HMO, according to a council report.
Background and concerns
The four-storey building, located on the corner of Argyle Street and Hinson Street, has been visually run-down, prompting Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue to raise concerns about anti-social behaviour at the site. The building sits beside a large car park, part of which was formerly the Savoy cinema and Rileys snooker hall.
The location is considered ideal for public transport, with three Merseyrail stations—Conway Park, Birkenhead Central, and Hamilton Square—within a short walk.
Layout and target residents
The main entrance will lead to nine ground floor single-occupancy rooms, a shared kitchen, and a communal office working space. Separate entrances will access the upper floors, with the first and second floors each containing six bedrooms, a shared kitchen, and breakout space. The third floor will have three bedrooms, a kitchen, and breakout space. All 24 bedrooms will have en-suite bathrooms.
The HMO is intended for young professionals, according to planning documents. They state: "It is very common for young professionals to spend no more than five years in one place before moving on to another area to develop their career. All they need when moving around like this is a place to rest their head, a good range of services nearby and a very fast broadband connection. It is to be hoped that the regeneration of Birkenhead will attract a large number of such young professionals who will need this sort of accommodation."
Council report findings
A council report said the plans are suitable for approval but noted that elements are "far from ideal." Concerns were raised about the outlook from ground floor bedrooms, with the report stating: "Concerns remain about the outlook from the bedrooms at ground floor level. Having to use blinds or curtains is considered likely throughout the day to prevent people being able to see into the nine bedrooms, which will be the residents' only private space, and so the outlook concern remains."
