Wirral Council has appointed Buro Happold Limited to develop designs for a new and improved Liscard town centre, following what has been described as a "competition procurement process". The appointment marks a significant step in the Liscard Regeneration Programme, which aims to create a more attractive, accessible, and welcoming environment for residents, visitors and businesses.
Surveys and tender preparation
Surveys and investigations will now be undertaken, along with the preparation of tender documentation for future construction work in the town centre. The contract, with a total value of £225,586, is funded from the council's Local Regeneration Fund, which was approved earlier this year.
Dominick House sale to support regeneration
Liscard town centre is also expected to benefit from the sale of Dominick House. The council's economy, regeneration and housing committee recently approved the sale of the derelict former government office block to the owners of the neighbouring Cherry Tree Shopping Centre.
Council comment and anti-social behaviour context
Cllr Mark Skillicorn, chair of Wirral Council’s economy, regeneration and housing committee, said: "Liscard is a key town centre for Wirral and the appointment of an experienced design team is a significant milestone in moving our regeneration plans forward."
"The public realm improvements will help create a more attractive and accessible town centre that supports local businesses, encourages more visitors and provides a better experience for everyone who lives, works and spends time in Liscard."
Efforts to make Liscard more welcoming and attractive will likely have to take into account the anti-social behaviour the town suffers from. Last month, Merseyside Police introduced a dispersal zone in the town which led to a total of eight Dispersal Notices being issued to boys aged between 13 and 15, over two days. Those in the town told the ECHO they "live in fear" and that anti-social behaviour has got significantly worse in the last 12 months.
