Wirral Council’s faces “significant risks and challenges” over its major development plans.
The local authority is currently pursuing ambitious regeneration plans primarily in Birkenhead and Seacombe that could see large areas of the waterfront, docks, and town centre change significantly over the next two decades.
This includes millions being spent at Wirral Waters, 1,600 homes being built behind Birkenhead Central station, alongside a number of other projects to create new cycle and walking routes and improve public areas.
READ MORE: Elle Edwards latest: Live updates as Connor Chapman enters witness box
A review of the projects by the council’s internal auditors said there were major risks related to the Hind Street Urban village as well as “significant issues” around the council’s joint ventures and regeneration companies.
This year will prove critical for the council with an expected £86m spend on regeneration projects as deadlines for Future High Streets Funding fast approaches. Concerns have also been raised by Birkenhead councillor Pat Cleary over the delivery of the plans urging the council to “get a grip” on the schemes.
Over the summer consultations will also take place for the Dock Branch neighbourhood, the Northside area in Seacombe, as well as new homes on Scott’s Quay near Wirral Waters in July.
In August, consultations on changes to the waterfront around the Woodside Ferry Terminal, town centre commercial district and Charing Cross will take place at BirkenEd’s Place.
Wirral council leader Paul Stuart, said: "It is vital that people use this opportunity now to tell us their views, ideas, concerns and hopes about the proposals and regeneration plans the council is working on.
“It is a key point in the process when people can make sure their voice is heard, and Wirral's regeneration delivers positive change, building a brighter future for Wirral and our residents.”
At an audit and risk management committee, Cllr Paula Basnett asked for clarity on when issues with different regeneration schemes would be reported back.
In response, the council’s chief internal auditor Mark Niblock said: “These are significant pressures, these are significant risks and challenges that the organisation faces. We know the state of public sector finance not specific necessarily to Wirral.
“We know that Wirral has a significant regeneration development in play. That is very laudable but brings with it a significant amount of risk. Within my audit plan there are certainly targeted pieces of work that some are ongoing, some will take place later in the year. I will report back on each and every one.”
To address the issues and ensure any risk to the council is managed effectively, the report said a number of oversight groups have been set up which are “important to coordinate funding and ensure delivery against the timescales associated with these funding sources.”
On the Hind Street Urban Village where 1,600 homes are proposed, auditors said “future focus must be given as this development progresses to the commissioning of consultants, the clear responsibility for the managing and reporting of any cost overruns, and the regular reporting to the Project Board of any issues that may affect project delivery schedules.”
Get the latest political news from Merseyside and UK by signing up to our newsletter
