J Freeley has commenced the demolition of multiple buildings in New Ferry to make way for new affordable homes in the town. The project kickstarts the second phase of plans to regenerate the area following a devastating explosion in 2017.
Appointed by Wirral Council under the Procure Partnerships Framework, J Freeley is scheduled to be on site for 14 weeks.
Asbestos will be safely removed prior to demolishing the buildings, including a former Co-op store and premises from 104-124 New Chester Road. A commercial building in Grove Street will also be taken down, requiring the removal of a swimming pool and associated plant and equipment. All the properties have been vacant for several years.
Following demolition, J Freeley will level the sites and provide topsoil and seeding followed by the installation of fencing.
The contract is J Freeley’s second with Wirral Council and follows the successful demolition of Wallasey town hall’s north and south annexes.
Michael Freeley, Director at J Freeley, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Wirral Council again to help deliver another significant regeneration project. Demolishing these buildings, which have been frequently vandalised over the years, will clear two key development sites.
“The contract builds on our expertise of working within built up areas, requiring extra care to minimise disruption and to maximise safety. This will be particularly important when we demolish the former Co-op as occupied retail premises neighbour the site. Manual demolition methods will be implemented together with scaffolding and a crash deck to prevent debris from falling.”
Cllr Tony Jones, Chair of the Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee for Wirral Council, added: “It’s great to see work progressing so well on the first phase of the New Ferry regeneration while at the same time preparations are being made for the second and last phase.
“The demolition of the vacant building on Grove Street will allow the council to create more parking spaces there even as the rest of the work continues, while the removal of the row of empty shops facing New Chester Road will take away a real blight on the area, to be replaced by much-needed new housing in the coming months.”
The project will also see J Freeley support the local community through donations to several charities, including Mid-Wirral Crime Prevention Panel’s Friday night football sessions, Wirral Ark, Wirral’s Homeless Angels, and the Woodland Trust. The contractor will also be sponsoring Glenavon Junior Football club, and has committed to providing career mentoring sessions.
