Plans to build a world class maritime centre of excellence, focused on innovation, engineering, R&D, entrepreneurship, and training at the heart of Peel L&P’s Wirral Waters, have been put on hold as Wirral Council says no viable plans to fund it have been brought forward.
A report has asked Councillors at a Policy and Resources committee meeting on January 17 to remove the project from its regeneration programme ‘until such time as a viable scheme is brought forward for consideration.’ Another report published by the council shows the £12.3m budget for the current financial year being removed with no money dedicated towards the project in the next four years.
Self-acclaimed champion
In March 2023, the former Chief Executive of Mersey Maritime, Chris Shirling-Rooke, the self-acclaimed champion for the maritime industry in the North West of England, and now Chief Executive Officer of Maritime UK triumphantly announced that the Maritime Knowledge Hub was to be built.
Planning permission for the Wirral Waters scheme was granted in 2023
A huge project proposed by Peel L&P to transform the derelict Central Hydraulic Tower on the Birkenhead docks opposite the entrance to the Birkenhead ferry terminal. Planning permission for the Wirral Waters scheme was granted in 2023 and promised ‘world-leading facilities’ researching how to make the $3tn maritime industry more sustainable.
Robust business plan
The council has said no viable business case has been brought forward and given the council’s current financial position, ‘the current balance of financial risk between public and private sector investors within the indicative proposals could not realistically be accepted by the council at the current time.’
Whilst some would argue that Mersey Maritime were handed a project they didn’t really want, its former Chief Executive was nevertheless was one of the primary movers in ‘selling the concept’ to stakeholders. So why did he simply decide to leave it to wither on the vine and depart for pastures new without first ensuring that there was a robust business plan in place.
Investable business case
The Maritime Knowledge Hub was his opportunity to safeguard his legacy for years to come
After all, the Maritime Knowledge Hub was his opportunity to safeguard his legacy for years to come. Either way, it would appear, that there was not enough genuine ownership and vision to deliver the project for now.
Nonetheless, it great to hear that the council remains fully committed to progressing with the project and is continuing to pursue other areas of funding to prepare an investable business case for the development of the hub.
It’s an amazing project that regions maritime sector desperately needs and deserves. Let’s hope for the benefit all, that the challenges this project is currently experiencing can be overcome. And let’s not forget over promising and under-delivering affects us all. It is not a winning approach to help drive trade and growth for UK maritime industries.