A series of planning, heritage, and licensing decisions are moving forward across Merseyside. They range from major regeneration proposals in Liverpool to council asset sales and coastal access disputes on the Wirral.
Multiple significant development projects across the Liverpool City Region are currently navigating key stages of planning and restoration. In Liverpool city center, a decision is pending regarding a new residential development located near the site of the proposed Baltic Triangle Merseyrail station. Proposed by Davos Property Developments, the project features a 13-story mixed-use building on St. James Street that would provide 199 apartments alongside co-working spaces and ground-floor commercial and residential facilities. While the proposed station is part of a broader transport regeneration strategy for the Baltic, its delivery schedule has experienced delays.
Elsewhere, Wirral Council is exploring the potential sale of two significant, century-old, Grade II-listed civic buildings: Birkenhead Town Hall, located in Hamilton Square, and Wallasey Town Hall, which overlooks the River Mersey. While there is no immediate commitment to sell the properties, the council has instructed property advisors to gauge market interest as part of a wider review of its estate. The assessment considers long-term running costs and the maintenance scale required to keep both buildings operational, as well as broader questions regarding future service delivery.
In Port Sunlight, major repair work is underway to restore the village’s boating pond and its associated sea peace fountain. Both structures, which are Grade II-listed, have been out of service for several years due to structural issues, including leakage and deterioration of the basin. The restoration program, led by the Port Sunlight Village Trust, involves rebuilding the pond and conserving the structures before they are reinstated. Hoardings have been installed around the site, situated near the Lady Lever Art Gallery, to facilitate the work.
On the Wirral coastline, a legal dispute regarding Hoylake Beach has reached the courts. Local residents initiated legal action over beach access, arguing that vegetation growth has hindered accessibility for disabled users. Wirral Council maintains that it must follow environmental regulations and obtain consent from Natural England before conducting clearance work, as the beach is a protected site of special scientific interest.
Finally, a local licensing application has been approved for a cheese seller relocating to Allerton Road in Liverpool. The business has been granted permission to serve alcohol until 10 p.m. at its new premises, despite objections regarding potential noise and antisocial behavior in an area already hosting several hospitality venues. The operators stated the business will remain focused on food retail and daytime or early evening visits rather than operating as a late-night venue.
