J. Freeley has begun work to demolish the first of two buildings situated either side of Wallasey Town Hall.
Appointed by Wirral Council, the contractor is demolishing the North and South Annexes in Brighton Street as part of regeneration proposals for the area.
The site hoarding and footpath diversions have been installed, and both buildings have been stripped internally by J. Freeley ahead of the phased demolition. The South Annexe is being demolished first with the North Annexe to then follow.
With homes, a leisure centre, and primary school within close proximity, the company is putting a strong focus on traffic management with a view to minimising disruption. Demolition, in the main, will be carried out using high reach excavators. For part of the North Annexe, which is close to residential properties, J. Freeley will undertake careful floor by floor demolition.
Michael Freeley, Director at J. Freeley, said: “This is a vital project for the local area which will release the land for redevelopment. Following the successful strip-out of both buildings, we are on track to complete the works by June helping the council to kickstart its masterplan to regenerate Seacombe.
“With demolition now underway, we are doing everything we can to minimise any potential impact on the surrounding properties and roads. Noise, dust and vibration will be reduced as much as possible and levels continually monitored.”
Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paul Stuart, added: “This demolition work is another sign of the very real progress we’re making with our ambitious regeneration programme. Our masterplan for the Seacombe corridor is moving forward and is part of a much broader strategy stretching the length of the borough to bring real improvements and opportunities for the people of Wirral.
“Our regeneration will bring not just new buildings and infrastructure but help deliver economic growth, new homes, jobs and greater prosperity — and we are already seeing the early fruits of this, with much more set to come in the next few years.”
As part of the project, J. Freeley has committed to supporting the local community. Donations have been made to charities including Mid Wirral Crime Prevention Panel’s Friday Night Football, homeless charity Wirral Ark, and Wirral’s Homeless Angels, a community group supplying home cooked meals and support.
The demolition of the former office buildings, which have been vacant since 2020, has been funded by the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund.
Wirral Council’s regeneration proposals for the area form part of the Wallasey Town Hall Quarter Masterplan which went out to public consultation in late 2023. Ideas for redevelopment include a remodelled area around Wallasey Town Hall with a centralised plaza in front of the historic building.
