Wirral Council is moving forward with its £22.6 million plan to transform the Birkenhead waterfront, but is taking extra precautions to avoid the significant budget issues that have affected other local regeneration projects. The council has approved increased spending on preliminary survey work to better understand ground conditions before major construction begins.
Key Takeaways
- Wirral's £22.6m waterfront regeneration project is proceeding to the next stage.
- The council has increased a preliminary works contract from £440,578 to £1.35 million to fund extensive ground surveys.
- This decision is a direct response to a separate Birkenhead scheme that went £12 million over budget due to unforeseen issues.
- The goal is to identify potential problems early, secure a fixed-price construction contract, and protect taxpayer money.
A Strategic Vision for Birkenhead's Waterfront
The ambitious £22.6 million scheme is designed to revitalise key areas of Birkenhead, enhancing its connection to the waterfront and improving public spaces. The project received unanimous approval from councillors earlier this year following public consultations.
The investment is allocated across three primary locations. Nearly £10 million is designated for the Woodside area, with a similar amount of just under £10 million for Argyle Street. A further £3 million is set aside for improvements to the historic Hamilton Square.
Proposed upgrades include the creation of new public realms, dedicated cycle lanes to promote active travel, and significantly improved pedestrian access. The overall aim is to create a more attractive and accessible environment for residents, visitors, and businesses, capitalizing on the area's unique views over the Liverpool skyline.
Project Funding Breakdown
- Woodside Area: Approximately £10 million
- Argyle Street: Just under £10 million
- Hamilton Square: £3 million
- Total Investment: £22.6 million
Learning from Past Challenges
Wirral Council's current cautious approach stems directly from difficulties encountered with a separate regeneration project in Birkenhead town centre. The scheme, which focused on Grange Road, Conway Street, and Europa Boulevard, exceeded its original budget by a substantial £12 million.
Investigations revealed that a primary cause for the cost overrun was a lack of detailed site investigations and survey work before construction started. This meant contractors discovered unexpected underground utilities and other ground-related issues during the works, allowing them to claim additional costs.
The Importance of Ground Investigations
Major construction projects, especially in established urban areas like Birkenhead, require thorough ground investigation surveys. These surveys help identify the location of water pipes, gas mains, electrical cables, and sewers, as well as assessing soil stability and potential contamination. Discovering these elements late in a project can lead to costly delays and redesigns.
To prevent a similar situation with the waterfront project, the council is now committed to a strategy of proactive investigation. By investing more in the initial planning and survey phase, the authority aims to minimise risks and gain a clear picture of the project's requirements before the main construction contract is awarded.
Increased Investment in Preliminary Works
As part of this risk-reduction strategy, Wirral Council has approved a significant increase to its pre-construction services contract with John Sisk and Sons. The contract value has been raised from £440,578 to £1.35 million, and its duration has been extended by three months.
This additional funding will cover the cost of comprehensive ground investigations and site surveys. According to the council, this early investment is crucial. It will provide the detailed information needed to finalise designs and, most importantly, allow the council to enter into a fixed-price contract for the main construction phase.
A fixed-price contract provides greater cost certainty for the taxpayer, as it transfers the financial risk of unforeseen ground conditions to the contractor. This move is designed to ensure the £22.6 million waterfront project is delivered on budget.
Council Leadership on Project Management
Wirral Council's leadership has affirmed its commitment to stronger oversight on all regeneration projects. The decision to expand the survey work is presented as a key part of this new approach.
"I have been clear from the moment I became council leader in May that we will take stock of the regeneration under way and make sure it works for Wirral and its communities," stated Cllr Paula Basnett, Leader of Wirral Council.
Cllr Basnett acknowledged that an independent review of the council's regeneration programme is underway but stressed the importance of continuing with key projects to avoid losing the external grant funding that has been secured.
She added that the council is "getting a much tighter grip on what we need to deliver."
"This is good planning, taking learning from other projects, and means the council can agree costings with the contractor to ensure not only that this scheme is on budget but ideally make savings for the taxpayer."
By investing more upfront, the council hopes to create a smoother, more predictable, and financially responsible delivery process for one of the most significant regeneration schemes in the borough's recent history.