More than 150 people have been given a glimpse into the future of two Merseyside towns thanks to some innovative technology.
Last week, 186 people donned special virtual reality (VR) goggles at the Floral Pavilion to explore how New Brighton and Seacombe could change over the next decade. The two towns have been identified as priority areas for regeneration in Wirral Council's draft Local Plan because of their potential as a high-quality visitor destination, and opportunities to create sustainable neighbourhoods for existing and new residents.
The immersive VR experience formed part of a public consultation, with the customised 3D modelling based on suggestions from local young people about how the towns could develop in coming years. Chair of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee, Cllr Tony Jones, said: “It was an unusual experience and great fun.
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"I especially enjoyed seeing some of the ideas young people had come up with. Hopefully this will help us get more people involved in this and other consultations in the future – being able to look around and be immersed in it makes all the difference in trying to work out what you like and what you’re not sure about.”
People who live, work and visit New Brighton and Seacombe still have time to say how they think these areas can be helped to improve in the coming years. Cllr Jones urged people who had not been able to try the VR to log on to the council's website, where they will be able to see some images and video and put forward their ideas for the area.
New Brighton and Seacombe form part of a wider transformational regeneration programme along the ‘Left Bank’ of the River Mersey, with a particular focus on the creation of a sustainable, waterfront urban garden community in Birkenhead and parts of Seacombe, underpinned by the Birkenhead 2040 Framework and Local Plan.
The proposed Local Plan would help deliver the new housing needed for the borough while also protecting valued designated green spaces. For Seacombe, the Council has appointed HLP Architects and are working in partnership with Magenta Living Housing Association to develop a clear framework to improve living conditions, health outcomes and employment prospects for the residents of this area.
The consultation surveys will be available to be completed until November 25. For more information on New Brighton's consultation click here and for more information on Seacombe click here.
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