The £4.5 billion Wirral Waters scheme is intended to breathe fresh life into disused brownfield sites, bringing environmental as well as economic benefits to Birkenhead, Wallasey and the wider Merseyside region.

Councillor Jeff Green, Wirral Council leader, said: “We can now look forward to the site’s transformation over the coming years to help improve the economic fortunes of the borough and that of its residents.”

Birkenhead docks where the Wirral Waters development will take place comprise more than 500 acres, creating tens of thousands of jobs during construction, many of which will bring environmental benefits.

The building work will span some three decades and create around 27,000 jobs once complete.

Councillor Andrew Hodson, cabinet member for regeneration and planning strategy, said: “This is a great day for Wirral. We have been working closely with Peel for almost four years to bring jobs and regeneration to the borough.

“The approval of this planning application will lead to the total transformation of what is currently derelict brownfield land within East Float at Birkenhead Docks and when finished will create over 27,000 jobs.

“This has taken place against a backdrop of the worst recession in living memory and it is a credit to both Peel and Wirral Council that we have kept the plans moving.”

He added: “Subject to getting the okay from the government, we hope work will start on site within the next two years and officers of the council will continue to work with Peel as we move into the development phase.”

David Gibbs

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