Wirral Council has approved two of three planning applications from Peel Waters, kick-starting a new phase of development at Mea Park West.
This location serves as a key employment and Freeport site within the landmark Wirral Waters regeneration project.
The decisions include the transformation of the 42,000 sq ft Mobil building and a major extension to the Greenway public realm project.
Together, these approvals mark a significant milestone in the regeneration of the area, unlocking £1.7m of investment into new employment space, safer active travel routes, and substantial environmental benefits.
Transformation of the Mobil Building
Peel Waters’ £1.2m transformation of the Mobil building aims to deliver new employment space at the brownfield dockside site.
The project is expected to create over 200 new jobs and attract significant investment to the area.
Work is due to commence in Spring 2026 and will involve modernising the former oil refinery storage facility while maintaining its industrial character.
External alterations include painting elevations to modernise the building’s appearance, replacing the roof on the low bay element, and over-cladding the high bay to enhance thermal performance and structural integrity.
The reuse of the existing structure offers environmental benefits compared to a new build, enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability.
Richard Mawdsley, Director of Development at Wirral Waters, commented:
“These two approvals mark a defining moment in the transformation of Mea Park West.
“By transforming this landmark building into a modern manufacturing facility, we’re creating high-quality jobs, attracting new investment and supporting local supply chains.”
Greenway Extension and Active Travel
The second approval enables a major extension to the Greenway at Mea Park West. This scheme is designed to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety, promote active travel, and improve biodiversity.
The extension forms a critical piece of connectivity infrastructure, linking the West Float employment area to Birkenhead North Merseyrail Station via a 3.5-metre-wide shared-use footway and cycleway.
The plans include a native tree-lined verge and wildflower grassland strip, a buffer zone reserved for future sustainable transit, and new street lighting.
A Biodiversity Net Gain assessment confirms the proposals will generate a habitat unit gain of over 22%, more than double the statutory 10% minimum required under the Environment Act 2021.
Wirral Council Leader, Cllr Paula Basnett, stated:
“It is great to see a new phase of regeneration taking shape in Wirral’s docklands.
“Mea Park West is within the Freeport area and is an important location for attracting growth and investment to the area.
“These latest planning decisions are a massive step forward and will create new jobs and training opportunities for young people and other Wirral residents.”
The project will also work closely with local education providers, such as Wirral Met College, to support local people into employment and create pathways for young people into construction and engineering careers.
This phase of development reflects the broader ambitions of Wirral Waters as one of the most significant waterfront brownfield regeneration sites in the UK.
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