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A run-down building that was once a popular gym near Hamilton Square is set to be transformed into a 24-bedroom HMO, following Wirral Council approving the plans.
The four-storey building at 63 Argyle Street was once the home of Rocky's Gym. The plans were submitted back in June.
At the moment, the building is considered derelict, with missing windows, and has already been an area of concern for both the police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, as they have expressed concern over anti-social behaviour in the area, according to the Wirral Globe.
The plans for the building were aiming to target the accommodation for young professionals. As stated in the plans, the main entrance on Argyle Street would lead to nine ground-floor single-occupancy rooms, a shared kitchen and a communal office working space.
Another Argyle Street entrance would provide access to the upper floors. The first and second floors would have six bedrooms, a shared kitchen, and communal space. Meanwhile, the third floor would also have its own kitchen, three bedrooms, and a communal area. All 24 bedrooms would have an en-suite.
The building is somewhat of a hot commodity in terms of location, as it is directly by a large car park, which used to be for the former Savoy cinema and Rileys snooker hall. There are also direct links to local buses into Liverpool and the proximity to Birkenhead town centre. With the stations, it is close to Conway Park, Birkenhead Central and Hamilton Square Merseyrail stations.
A council report found the plans suitable, but did raise concerns about the scheme, calling it "far from ideal". The areas of concern were over the ground floor bedrooms. The report stated: "Concerns remain about the outlook from the bedrooms at ground floor level."
It added: "Having to use blinds or curtains is considered likely throughout the day to prevent people being able to see into the nine bedrooms, which will be the residents' only private space, and so the outlook concern remains."
The purpose of the HMO was explained, reasoning that the targeting of young professionals makes sense as many spend "no more than five years in one place" when developing their career, so the bedrooms provide them with a place to sleep, fast internet, and strong access to local amenities and transport.
The documents added: "It is to be hoped that the regeneration of Birkenhead will attract a large number of such young professionals who will need this sort of accommodation."
