Wirral Council has been told it needs “to get a grip" in getting regeneration projects off the ground.
The comments were made by Birkenhead councillor Pat Cleary in response to an officer report that showed Wirral Council has spent nearly £18m less than it expected to on its plans to make major changes in Birkenhead and other parts of the Wirral.
These plans include major changes to some roads, a new location for Birkenhead Market, a new park, housing estate, as well as a number of other developments. This is all part of the council’s 2040 framework.
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Cllr Cleary said the figures were giving him a real cause for concern about the pace of regeneration, adding: “I am keenly aware as ward councillor about how many regeneration projects there are on paper and how long it has taken most of those projects to reach the start of delivery.”
He said a number of projects such as changes to Conway Street, Birkenhead Market, and Woodside were “significantly behind delivery.” He said his concern was funding deadlines for some projects were approaching and the council was “potentially running the risk of sending this money back.”
He asked for a specific delivery plan for regeneration projects, pointing to delays to demolition of the old House of Fraser building to make way for the new market. He added: “I think that is something we really need to get a grip on, what is the plan and where is the capacity to deliver it?”
Wirral Council’s Chief Executive Officer Paul Satoor in response said the issue would be brought to the council’s economy and regeneration committee.
Concerns about borrowing related to the council’s regeneration plans were also raised by Cllr Kathy Hodson. Figures in a committee report showed the council borrowed £38.5m for projects such as the New Ferry regeneration projects and the Maritime Knowledge Hub.
Cllr Hodson argued the council has to factor the cost of borrowing against the income brought in by any regeneration projects which might have to be staggered at a different pace as a result.
Matthew Bennett, the council’s Director of Finance, said borrowing would have an impact though this would not be the only factor for next year. He said any scheme is assessed for its viability and “have to cover costs ultimately between what the council can afford” and meeting interest payments.
He added there was a possibility that schemes may be deemed to be less cost effective and viable as a result of wider economic factors.
It was also reported that the council would be recieving £8.5m from the Wirral Growth Company, the council’s joint developer company, after it saw profits in the last financial year.. However councillors were told it was not currently known how they would be able to use the profits.
Councillors also approved £6m of support including for people struggling during the cost of living. The money had come from the government through the Household Support Fund.
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