Five years after Wirral Council closed a consultation on grand 20-year regeneration plans for Birkenhead, residents express a mix of skepticism and optimism. Some describe the town as a 'ghost town', while others see potential as a 'Brooklyn to Liverpool’s Manhattan'.
Mixed Feelings Among Locals
Vikki Leeuwaugh, 52, who lives near Hamilton Square, told the ECHO: 'It’s a real ghost town. The shopping centre is drab. There aren’t any good shops. Birkenhead needs to change to bring people in.' She recalled the 1970s and 1980s when 'everyone came to Birkenhead, for the market, to go out. Now the market is non-existent. There’s no younger people here, and nothing for them.' She added that Hamilton Square's architecture could make it a destination, but 'there’s not enough done with them.'
In early 2021, Wirral Council launched its 'transformational' Birkenhead 2040 plan, focusing on 'family-friendly neighbourhoods with beautiful, green public spaces and parks.' However, a 2024 review found significant failures, unrealistic expectations, and avoidance of difficult decisions. Council leader Paula Basnett called the report 'a positive reset for regeneration' and said the council had 'learned' and was acting.
Visible Progress and Delays
Visible elements include a £9 million redesign of Europa Boulevard and Conway Street with cycleways and widened pavements. Earlier this year, the council announced a £26 million waterfront redevelopment with a new space outside Hamilton Square station, a children’s play area, cycle lanes, and pedestrian access. In late 2025, plans were approved for 1,500 new homes, offices, and hotels behind Birkenhead Central station, known as 'Borough Yard', linked to the town by the Dock Branch Park—a green corridor along an old railway line originally slated for completion by 2024 but delayed due to land acquisition issues. Just this week, planning permission was granted for the £18 million MEA Park West at Wirral Waters, providing space for industrial, manufacturing, and logistics businesses.
Despite these developments, some residents feel disconnected. Pete Smith told the ECHO: 'Nothing is changing, nothing gets done.' Vikki Leeuwaugh added: 'I don’t think it’s going well. There’s no sign of plans materialising. We see a couple of nice places opening up, but I feel there are too many cafés and second-hand shops.'
Business Optimism and Creative Revival
Nigel and Zara Evans, who run Alley Cats sandwich shop on Argyle Street for 40 years, are more upbeat. Nigel, 60, said: 'We’ve seen a lot of good changes, especially over the last 20 years. There are a lot of community interest companies moving into empty shops, which keeps the area busy. That investment is starting to bear fruit.' Zara, 58, noted: 'All the offices moved about 20 years ago, and over the last 15 years, all the banks closed on Hamilton Square. But it feels like it’s slowly coming back.'
Christopher Torpey, who opened Future Yard music venue on Argyle Street in 2021, aimed to break down 'psychological barriers' between Wirral and Liverpool. The venue has attracted international artists and around 100,000 visitors, and is currently expanding. He told the ECHO: 'Regeneration is more than just buildings, roads, train stations, and buses. It’s about image, it’s about the way people think.' He noted that small pots of funding for business signage have 'really changed the look and feel of the place.' He added: 'We have learned that regeneration doesn't happen over there by somebody else, you are all part of it.'
Torpey described housing developments like Borough Yard as 'transformative' and 'turbocharging the town centre.' He said: 'To increase footfall, we need more housing on the doorstep and a town centre with a richer offer. Our role in regeneration is bringing the positivity, bringing the activity, and showing that it can work here.' He added: 'People travel to Future Yard for events who wouldn't normally set foot on Argyle Street. Our broader mission is to get them to come back and spend more time here.'
Council's Commitment
A Wirral Council spokesperson said: 'Wirral Council is committed to making sure Birkenhead is a thriving and attractive place for businesses, retailers and shoppers. We are already seeing positive signs such as the recent announcement that the authority is now able to begin preparing for new tenants in the Mallory and Irvine offices. This is a strong vote of confidence in the town by outside organisations and will help increase daily footfall for local traders. The new market, work on which is due to start shortly, will also help with the wider improvements to the town centre.'
