00:00In Wirral, a new £60m regeneration programme is being described by local leaders as a chance to transform three communities
00:08over the next decade.
00:10It covers central Birkenhead, the Woodchurch Estate and Seacombe, with each area set to receive up to £20m of investment.
00:18The Pride in Place programme was announced in September 2025 and is designed to tackle deprivation through locally led plans.
00:26Three boards have been formed, chaired by Liam Kelly, Jenny Allenson and Nicola Fenton, each responsible for one of the
00:33areas.
00:34They'll set up neighbourhood boards, gather feedback and produce 10-year investment plans to be submitted to government by the
00:41end of the year.
00:42If approved, the first funding decisions are expected in 2027, marking the start of longer-term delivery.
00:48Liam Kelly says he wants a revolution in ownership, arguing that empty shops, boarded-up buildings and disconnection are holding
00:56Birkenhead back.
00:57He says communities should be able to take control of assets like Birkenhead Town Hall and reshape how places are
01:05used.
01:06Nicola Fenton, who runs a community support organisation in Seacombe, says she wants to rebuild pride and optimism locally.
01:13She says the focus must be on community-driven change rather than outside consultants imposing ideas that do not fit
01:19local needs.
01:20Supporters say the programme could reshape neighbourhoods for generations, but delivery will depend on community engagement and government approval.
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