Here’s what new Wirral ferry terminal will look like as Woodside regeneration plans move forward

Massive plans to regenerate one part of Wirral have been given a huge boost.

Birkenhead is set to be overhauled with a new market, hundreds of homes and new event spaces, but another part of the area is getting its own makeover.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is moving forward with plans for a new landing stage at Woodside Ferry Terminal.

Why are the changes happening?

The new design will replace the existing stage which is reaching the end of its operational life.

Subject to funding being secured, the new landing stage will help maintain cross-river services running from Woodside as part of the long-term vision for the Mersey Ferries.

As well as this, the combined authority is partnering with Big Heritage to overhaul the historic Woodside-based U-Boat Story attraction.

The company operates the award-winning Western Approaches HQ museum in Liverpool, which brings to life the crucial Battle of the Atlantic.

Reaction to the Woodside regeneration plan

Steve Rotheram, mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Our region is an international destination of choice, attracting millions of visitors from around the world to sample our unique blend of sport, music, culture, heritage, history and hospitality.

“The Western Approaches has grown into a fantastic attraction in Liverpool city centre over the past few years, and their experience could help turn the U-Boat story into a similarly popular attraction over on the Wirral.

“I’m sure the investments we’re making in Woodside will help contribute to the wider renaissance that we’re seeing in Birkenhead.”

Dean Paton, chief executive of Big Heritage, said: “We are incredibly excited to become the new custodians of U-534.

“We hope to enhance the visitor experience in the same way we have at Western Approaches and can now contextualise the impact of U-Boat warfare alongside the achievements of those who nullified their threat.

“From the genius of the Wrens of Western Approaches to the superhuman efforts of the shipbuilders at Cammell Laird – we will ensure their stories are told.

“We see this as the first stage in creating a new cross-river heritage experience of international significance, and we are proud to be working alongside Mersey Ferries to regenerate this historic part of Birkenhead.”