Forshaw, Qualis Win Consent for 90 Wirral Waters Apartments 

Key Points

• Forshaw Group and Qualis Developments have secured planning consent for a new residential project at Redbridge Quay in Wirral Waters, featuring 90 homes – an increase of 12 from the original plan.
• The development includes 84 one-bedroom apartments and six three-bedroom flats across six four-storey blocks on Peel Waters-owned brownfield land.
• Wirral Council approved the plans under delegated powers this week.
• The project forms part of the £5bn Wirral Waters masterplan and will be built immediately north of Redbridge Quay phase one, delivered by Urban Splash, fronting Dock Road.
• It is located east of Millers Quay, a 500-home, £130m development backed by Pension Insurance Corporation that completed last year.
• Plans were first lodged early last year with 64 one-bedroom and 14 two-bedroom homes but were revised to deliver more units overall.
• Cllr Paula Basnett, Leader of Wirral Council, welcomed the scheme as a milestone for regeneration, emphasising high-quality, energy-efficient homes on brownfield land.
• Richard Mawdsley, director of development at Wirral Waters, highlighted its role in building sustainable neighbourhoods and strong communities.
• Richard Dean, managing director at Qualis Developments, described it as an exciting milestone, focusing on well-designed, energy-efficient homes.
• Eden Planning and BTP Architects advised Forshaw and Qualis; plans reference APP/25/00133 on Wirral Council’s planning portal.

Wirral (Wirral Globe) January 16, 2026 – Forshaw Group and Qualis Developments have secured planning consent from Wirral Council for 90 apartments at Redbridge Quay in Wirral Waters, marking a key step in the area’s £5bn regeneration masterplan. The approval, granted under delegated powers this week, covers a mix of 84 one-bedroom and six three-bedroom flats across six four-storey blocks on Peel Waters-owned brownfield land north of the first phase delivered by Urban Splash. This revised scheme exceeds the original plan by 12 homes, advancing sustainable housing delivery east of the recently completed Millers Quay development.

What is the significance of this approval for Wirral Waters?

The consent represents another milestone in the ambitious Wirral Waters regeneration, transforming derelict dockland into vibrant residential neighbourhoods. As reported in the original coverage, the scheme builds directly on phase one of Redbridge Quay and the momentum from Millers Quay, a 500-home project worth £130m backed by Pension Insurance Corporation that reached completion last year.

Cllr Paula Basnett, Leader of Wirral Council, stated:

“This is another significant milestone for Wirral Waters and a further vote of confidence in Wirral. By redeveloping brownfield land into high-quality, energy-efficient homes, we are not only delivering much-needed housing for local people but also creating vibrant communities.”

She added:

“Developments like Redbridge Quay show the real progress we are making in building sustainable neighbourhoods, driving forward the regeneration at Wirral Waters, and helping to shape a vibrant waterside community for generations to come.”

This project underscores Wirral Council’s commitment to brownfield redevelopment, addressing housing shortages while prioritising energy efficiency and community vitality.

Who are the key developers behind Redbridge Quay phase two?

Forshaw Group and Qualis Developments lead the project, partnering with landowner Peel Waters to deliver the 90 homes fronting Dock Road. Richard Mawdsley, director of development at Wirral Waters, said:

“Phase two of Redbridge Quay will build on the momentum we have created at Millers Quay and the first phase of Redbridge Quay to create a sustainable neighbourhood which supports the creation of a strong and healthy community.”

He continued:

“We’re delighted to be working with Qualis Developments and Forshaw Group to bring these fantastic new apartments to the people of Wirral. They will be a great addition to the Northbank neighbourhood and to the wider Wirral Waters regeneration area.”

Richard Dean, managing director at Qualis Developments, added: “Securing planning approval for phase two of Redbridge Quay is an exciting milestone for everyone involved. Wirral Waters is a regeneration programme of real scale and ambition, and we are delighted that Qualis can play a role in its next chapter.” Dean further noted:

“Working closely with Forshaw Group and Peel Waters, our focus is on delivering well-designed, energy-efficient homes that contribute to a thriving and sustainable neighbourhood. We’re looking forward to getting on site and bringing these homes to life.”

Professional advisors Eden Planning and BTP Architects supported Forshaw and Qualis throughout the planning process.

How does this scheme differ from the original plans?

Initial plans lodged early last year proposed 64 one-bedroom flats and 14 two-bedroom homes, but revisions in subsequent months increased the total to 90 units, comprising 84 one-bedroom and six three-bedroom apartments. This adjustment allows for greater housing delivery without altering the four-storey height or six-block layout.

The changes reflect responsiveness to local housing needs, boosting the provision of one-bedroom units suitable for singles, young professionals, and downsizers amid Wirral’s demand for affordable options. Situated on brownfield land, the development avoids greenfield encroachment, aligning with national and local sustainability goals.

What is the location and context within Wirral Waters?

Redbridge Quay phase two sits immediately north of phase one, developed by Urban Splash, and east of Millers Quay, enhancing connectivity along Dock Road in the Northbank neighbourhood. As part of the overarching £5bn Wirral Waters masterplan, it contributes to a broader vision of waterfront regeneration spanning thousands of homes, commercial spaces, and public amenities.

The site’s proximity to existing phases ensures integration, fostering walkable communities with access to the Mersey waterfront, transport links, and emerging amenities. This positioning amplifies the scheme’s role in revitalising Birkenhead’s docks, once a hub of industrial activity, into a modern residential quarter.

Why was the approval handled under delegated powers?

Wirral Council approved the plans under delegated powers, a standard procedure for applications meeting predefined criteria, allowing officers to grant consent without full committee review. This streamlined process expedited delivery for a scheme aligning closely with local policies on housing, design, and sustainability.

The reference number APP/25/00133 is available on Wirral Council’s planning portal for public inspection, ensuring transparency. Such delegations balance efficiency with oversight, enabling swift progress on regeneration priorities.

What role does brownfield redevelopment play here?

Redeveloping Peel Waters-owned brownfield land exemplifies best practice in urban renewal, converting underused industrial sites into productive housing. Cllr Basnett highlighted this aspect, noting its dual benefits of housing supply and environmental gains through energy-efficient construction.

The project supports national targets for brownfield prioritisation, reducing urban sprawl and revitalising Wirral’s economy through construction jobs and long-term residency. Energy-efficient features, such as improved insulation and low-carbon systems, position the homes as future-proof amid rising net-zero imperatives.

How does this fit into Wirral’s housing strategy?

Wirral faces ongoing pressure for new homes, with council targets emphasising quality and affordability. This 90-unit scheme directly aids local people, as Basnett affirmed, while Richard Mawdsley emphasised community-building in Northbank.

By increasing from 78 to 90 homes, developers demonstrate flexibility to maximise output on constrained sites. The mix favours one-bedroom units, catering to younger renters and key workers, complementing three-bedroom options for families.

What are the next steps following approval?

With consent secured, Forshaw, Qualis, and partners anticipate site mobilisation soon, as Dean expressed eagerness to commence construction. Timelines remain subject to commercial factors, but the scheme’s readiness – post-revisions and advisory input – suggests prompt delivery.

Stakeholders urge monitoring via the planning portal for updates. The project promises economic uplift, from immediate build-phase employment to sustained population growth supporting local services.

Who provided professional advice on the plans?

Eden Planning handled planning consultancy, while BTP Architects designed the six-block layout. Their expertise ensured compliance with design codes, flood risk assessments, and sustainability standards, facilitating approval.

This collaboration underscores the multidisciplinary approach vital for complex regenerations, blending architectural flair with policy alignment.