Plea to save trees near Wirral town hall's north annexe

The north and south annexes of Wallasey Town Hall are currently being taken down to make way for a planned development of almost 149 homes. Demolition work is expected to take 20 weeks.

Work on the South Annexe site is nearing completion with demolition of the North annexe, which is described as in 'close proximity' to the six trees, due to take place soon.

Local resident Paul Cardin has written to the council leader, Councillor Paul Stuart, asking him to do his "utmost" to "prevent these beautiful trees being felled if that is the council's intention."

The six trees bordering Wallasey town hall's north annexe that is facing demolition (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)In his email to councillor Stuart, Mr Cardin wrote: "As you are my local councillor, I feel duty bound to inform you that there are six mature trees in very close proximity to the front of the North Annexe in Brighton Street.

"This "most ugliest" building is awaiting demolition in the next week or so.

"Please do your utmost to prevent these beautiful trees being felled if that is the council's intention.

"Some time ago, Wirral Council released environmental publicity material proclaiming that 'Wirral has heard the cry of the earth'.

"Please keep me informed how you get on with rescuing these trees. Time is of the essence.

"I've noticed today they are now displaying a delightful pink blossom, which makes Brighton Street brighter, lifts our hearts and puts a spring in the step of those of us whom despite the behaviour of local officials, manage to remain upbeat and positive about the future."

A council statement read: "All of our urban trees are important, however due to these six cherry trees being so close to the foundations of the building, the demolition of the North Annexe cannot take place without causing significant damage to them.

"The recommendation of our tree specialist was that they should be removed.

"As we move forward with the ambitious regeneration proposals for the Seacombe Corridor and area around Wallasey town hall, we will use this opportunity to replace the lost trees with new ones, including tree species that will not only enhance the arboriculture diversity but also improve the overall landscape of this location.”

Demolition of Wallasey town hall's south annexe is nearing completion (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)The annexes' demolition is the first step in plans to regenerate the area around Wallasey Town hall and is being funded by £2.3m from the second round of Brownfield Land Release Fund.

This requires housing to be delivered on the sites by 2027 and Wirral Council plans for 149 homes to be built in the form of two three or four storey developments on the annexe sites.

Cllr Stuart previously said: “The demolition of these two buildings which are ugly, unneeded, and no longer fit for purpose is just a first step in the plans to bring real and much-needed regeneration in Seacombe.

“The regeneration program will bring social and economic regeneration along the Seacombe River Corridor and attract new investment into the area.

“The demolition of these buildings and redevelopment of the sites will not only have a huge impact in Seacombe but will demonstrate the opportunities that are possible and within our grasp.”

“Ambitious proposals” revealed for the wider area around the town hall also show plans for 496 homes, new commercial and retail space in the area, a new leisure centre, and a new park. It also identified potential for a mass transit system as part of its longer term ambitions.

The leisure centre at Guinea Gap will remain until funding is granted for a new facility that is proposed next to the new Riverside Primary School. Parking could be provided via underground parking or multi-storey “car barns.”

The council also proposes improving access from the area around the town hall to the promenade and said alternative connections for people in wheelchairs, or with prams or cycling were needed. New road crossings and tree planting are proposed.

The proposals said the Department for Education is also supporting the construction of a new Riverside Primary school. The plans are currently being looked at by Wirral Council following public feedback