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A disused day centre in Heswall town centre is set to be transformed into retirement apartments after Wirral Council agreed to sell the site.
According to Birkenhead News, Churchill Living Ltd is the lucky bidder set to redevelop the former Heswall Day Centre, if planning permission is approved. Churchill Living specialises in houses for those over 60. The company, owned by Spencer and Clinton McCarthy, builds independent retirement homes and residences for seniors and has been going for over 30 years.
The single-storey building on the land, which is roughly one acre, was constructed in the 1970s and was an adult day care support centre for those with learning and physical disabilities until it closed in September 2024. Unfortunately, the building closed due to a need for serious repairs, but thankfully the day centre's services were relocated across the Wirral to various locations.
The council decided the site was no longer needed in June 2025. The Policy & Resources Committee then authorised a sale on the open market to achieve the best price.
Consultants Lambert Smith Hampton marketed the property, receiving 10 initial bids. The two highest bidders were asked to submit further details, with Churchill Living ultimately selected.
Councillor Paula Basnett, Leader of Wirral Council, said: "This is another example of how we are making better use of the assets the council owns and ensuring taxpayers' money is being used wisely.
"The sale of this site will remove an ongoing maintenance cost to the council, generate funding that can help protect the frontline services residents rely on."
A Churchill Living spokesperson said: "We're delighted to have been selected as the preferred bidder for this site, where we hope to deliver an attractive new development for local over-60s who want to downsize and maintain their independence as they get older, whilst enjoying the safety, support and social life that comes with being part of a later living community.
"Our plans to regenerate the site, subject to achieving a successful planning permission, will help to meet the urgent demand for new homes locally. By giving older people in and around Heswall the option to downsize, it will also help release larger, second-hand properties back onto the market for local families to move into, also creating opportunities for local first-time buyers to get onto the ladder."
The decision notice, including a report on the sale decision, is available on the Wirral Council website, should you wish to take a look.
