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Wirral council will today unveil more than £1bn of development opportunities in Birkenhead - branding it ‘Liverpool’s left bank’.

Speaking at the International Business Festival (IBF), Wirral Council Leader Phil Davies will reveal plans to boost jobs and investment in downtown Birkenhead - looking to the success of American districts like Brooklyn and Jersey City which have benefited from the growth of Manhattan ‘over the water’

Cllr Davies will address 200 delegates at Liverpool’s King’s Dock Conference Centre as part of the IBF’s International Urbanisation and Cities Day.

He will tell guests: “Between the newly created Wirral Growth Company and Peel’s Wirral Waters scheme we have more than £1billion of development opportunities for investors.

“Town centres are changing fast. The traditional shopping high street is being replaced with a town centre destination which offers ‘round the clock’ attractions including work, leisure and entertainment as well as retail.

(Image: Staff reporter)

The council leader will also reveal consultation on the first phase of plans for a new town centre is being brought forward.

He will say: “In the next few weeks, Wirral Growth Company is bringing forward phase 1 plans for consultation about creating a new town centre with more than 330,000 sq.ft of Grade A office space, a new market and retail offer, and hundreds of new homes and apartments to bring town centre living back to Birkenhead.”

Cllr Davies will continue: “Our plans will look to capitalise on the outstanding transport links we have in Birkenhead.

“Wirral already appeals to residents, visitors and workers looking for something that stands out from what’s currently on offer in other regional towns. Our borough is home to fabulous beaches, country parks, golf courses, beautiful towns and villages and some of the best schools and colleges in the region.

(Image: Staff reporter)

And the council leader will go on to cite the rising popularity of New York’s Brooklyn borough, as a source of inspiration for Wirral’s plans.

He will say: “Our inspirations include the success of places like Brooklyn and Jersey City who have not only benefited from the growth of Manhattan ‘over the water’ – but have now become the preferred destination and location for visitors and businesses coming to the New York City region.

“At property conferences I’ve heard Birkenhead referred to as ‘Liverpool’s Left Bank’ - I’m delighted to hear these bold aspirations being raised, and for business leaders and investors to be curious about what is possible in Wirral.

“There is an open invitation for delegates here today, to come and see for yourselves why Wirral should be the first choice for your businesses and investment.