Fears were raised an accident is waiting to happen but a solution was put forward
The Mersey Ferry could be a solution to transport issues in Liverpool, councillors said(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Calls have been made for a Merseyside ferry terminal to be made “an absolute priority” to tackle “chaos” outside Everton Football Club’s new stadium. Councillors in Wirral said investment in the Woodside area was an “open goal” and a “no brainer” to help tackle transport issues and revive the Birkenhead waterfront.
The Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock began hosting matches in August in a new era for Everton. However poor transport links, traffic congestion, and parking restrictions have remained hot topics for some supporters.
Wirral councillors believe investment in the Woodside area could be a solution to the problems as they unanimously approved a further £3.16m for the ferry terminal. A new project was given the go ahead subject to further checks.
Elected member of all parties supported the proposal alongside keeping £12m money set aside for Liscard, new funding for mental health hub Joy, as well as the Future Yard music venue.
A council report published before a December 16 economy, regeneration, and housing committee did not mention who was behind the new ferry terminal project but it has since been confirmed to the ECHO Woodside Area CIC is delivering it. The company was behind previous plans and is linked to the Wirral Chamber of Commerce.
Woodside Area CIC provides restaurant and bar operations and previously supported seven independent businesses in the terminal. The council report said the new plan was for “a business centre and food and beverage offer” transforming the building “into a multifunctional hub for visitors, businesses, and the local community”.
One councillor said it was ‘chaos’ leaving the Hill Dickinson Stadium(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
A representative for the Chamber told the ECHO: “Woodside is an important cultural and economic asset for Wirral, and projects like this have real potential to strengthen the area’s offer for businesses, visitors, and the local community. We remain committed to supporting efforts that help unlock that potential.”
The officer report said: “Alongside creating spaces for the local community and events, the first floor of the building will host an entrepreneurship centre, offering 12 small business units, co-working spaces, and networking facilities to support young and growing enterprises.
“The scheme requires £3.165m, fully funded through this request. Costs cover demolition, structural alterations, mechanical and electrical works, fit-out, professional fees, and contingencies.
“Wider benefits encompass cultural enrichment, skills development, local resilience, and environmental sustainability. Additional evidence is required before this can be proposed to the committee.”
During the meeting, councillors talked about the need to invest in Woodside as an attraction to compete with Liverpool. Cllr George Davies said it was a “no brainer” to take advantage of thousands of Everton fans travelling from the Wirral.
Cllr Andrew Gardner agreed it could be an incredible opportunity but feared there could be an accident at some point as “it is chaos”, adding: “You just look at it. It’s an open goal […] It’s there to be taken.
“That would drive all the footfall Woodside would need on a regular basis and with other events there, that’s almost going to be a weekly occurrence and that then becomes game changing for Woodside.”
The old ferry pontoon and passenger bridges (pictured here) have been taken away and will be replaced(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
The latest decision comes as the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority begins installing the new ferry terminal pontoon in Birkenhead. A new passenger bridge will be installed this week ahead of further works in the new year.
The use of £1.2m of borrowing for Liscard was another key issue. Council officers had recommended the budget for Liscard’s regeneration was reduced from £12m to £10.78m and the leftover funds released to be used elsewhere.
However Labour councillors moved a change, later supported by all parties. That meant this funding would be kept as a contingency back up for Liscard. At the beginning of the meeting, Cllr James Laing had urged the committee to keep the £1.2m for use in Liscard.
He said the council officer suggestion has “caused great concern and confusion” in the town, later asking for an update on the future of Dominick House, a derelict building he said was the number one issue facing the community.
Councillors also approved a new strategy to tackle homelessness over the next five years. In response to a question, officers said the council was expecting to spend £4.75m this year on temporary accommodation as demand continues to rise.