Developer sought by Wirral Council for two sites amid pressure for affordable housing

Developers are encouraged to put forward proposals for the sites of the former North and South Annexe Buildings on either side of Grade II* listed Wallasey Town Hall.

 

Sitting vacant since 2020, the two sites were identified in the Local Plan (adopted 31 March 2025) for potential development. They were demolished in 2024 to join the other brownfield sites earmarked to host 14,400 dwellings.

 

As recorded in the 2021 Strategic Housing Market Assessment for Wirrel, over 600 households on the waitlist for rented affordable housing are marked as high priority. The Council has set the requirement that all 100% of the developments on these sites will be affordable housing for rent in response.

 

Although the council is encouraging proposals outside of the indicative plans, at least 75 units must be provided. Current suggestions highlight the possibility of 4-storey apartments made of 80 units across the two sites.

 

The Council has received £1.7m in funding for the scheme and yet 700 more affordable homes are needed each year to handle the 5,000 on the housing waitlist.

 

As part of the Grant Funding Agreement, the successful supplier should be in contract with the Council by 31 December 2025. This should be made unconditional by 31 March 2027 with project completion March 2031.

 

Due to the challenges of the current timeline, the Council seeks to get an extension. Full details on funding can be found in the Grant Funding Agreement.

 

This procurement will take place in three stages starting with a Procurement Specific Questionnaire. Shortlisted suppliers will be invited to submit draft submissions before commitments are confirmed with the successful candidate.

 

Essential documents and more information regarding this opportunity is available via the Chest portal: procontract.due-north.com/