Big changes on Wirral waterfront as major Woodside Ferry Terminal revamp begins

The £9m plus revamp of Woodside ferry terminal is underway as part of a major regeneration project to turn the area into a ‘vibrant and unique waterfront destination’.

As part of this complex engineering work, the existing 39-year-old landing stage and linkspan bridge will be removed, recycled and replaced with a new linkspan bridge and landing stage, with modern passenger waiting facilities.

Ultimately, the project will help secure the long-term viability of the important cultural asset and is part of a major Wirral Council and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority scheme to regenerate the wider area.

The terminal upgrade is being made possible by Levelling Up funding from Wirral Council, which this year consulted on a £23m Masterplan to breathe new life into the area. The proposals include 1,700 homes, two new hotels, major leisure facilities and an outside event space fronting onto the River Mersey amongst other things.

Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:

“This is an exciting time for the Woodside area and we’re delighted to be playing our part in the regeneration that will be taking place over the next few years.

“The existing structures at Woodside have served us well over the last 39 years, but it’s important for us to look to the future and fit in with the wider improvements taking place.

“Alongside the plans for a new ferry, these works highlight our commitment to the Mersey Ferries and their importance as a much-beloved cultural asset for our city region.”

Cllr Paul Stuart, Leader of Wirral Council, said:

“The Woodside area is on the cusp of major change with the significant funding Wirral Council has obtained to maximise the incredible potential of this unique location.

“The revamped ferry terminal will play an important role in helping us make Woodside the amazing waterfront destination it should be, alongside the work we are doing to improve its connections through Hamilton Square to Birkenhead town centre and make it a location where people want live, work and visit.”

The revamp, due for completion in summer 2025, follows a multi-million-pound refurbishment of Seacombe Ferry Terminal, which reopened in 2022.

The upgraded terminals will be ready to welcome the new £26m Mersey Ferry announced by Mayor Rotheram last year and due to be launched by the summer of 2026.