Wirral Way improvements commended at Design Awards

Improvements to the Wirral Way have been recognised at the Cheshire West Design Awards 2025.

The project was commended in the Public Realm / Open Spaces category at the awards last week, which highlight high quality contemporary design and construction, the use of traditional materials and craft skills which conserve our heritage, as well as innovative approaches to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

​The scheme improved access by widening approximately 2,850 metres of the six-mile Wirral Way pedestrian/cycle route from the park entrance at Hooton Station managed by the Council with this project steered and delivered by the Council’s landscape architects and Environmental Commissioning team.

The project reused and recycled materials to create the new path surface, as well as railings, edging and a new bench.

It also followed ecological guidance provided by specialists and surveys, to ensure bats, badgers, newts and other wildlife were protected, along with the health of trees in the area.  At the beginning of the path, one impressive, large oak tree has been retained despite being in the middle of the path itself.

The existing paths were re-used as a base and then the entire length of works was surfaced with recycled road materials, reducing the need for freshly quarried product.

The existing railings along the platform were retained, with gaps filled with salvaged panels found nearby.  The original railway sign posts were uncovered and reused with new signage giving the feel of the railway history of the route.

Large areas of path edging re-used salvaged materials found when the old platform area was excavated and stone edging was retained and used.  This included Victorian brickwork, part of the old platform ramp that was previously buried, which was reused to form the level for the new path surface.

Large areas of platform brickwork below ground were re-used within the new surfacing to reduce the need for new material.

Recycled plastic material was used to build the improved ramp access down the embankment and also for new sign posts.

The level of the path itself was raised considerably in low spots, soft spots were firmed up, drainage has been added where feasible, and blocked drainage cleared, as well as moving surface water away from the path route. The works were to ensure the route remains passable – even in the wettest of periods, as this section was particularly susceptible to flooding.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Pride, Councillor Stuart Bingham said:

“Congratulations to everyone involved in this project, it’s wonderful it has been recognised in the Cheshire West Design Awards.”

The site now also has a large area at the start of the route for event organisers to use for group walks or running events. 

A new 'Code of Conduct' has been introduced across the whole route, to ensure that pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians can share the pathway safely. 

Additional works are planned for 2026 to improve the route further by creating a level access point at Hooton Road to give users additional access options whilst improving equestrian use of the space.

Pictured - The Council's Greenspace Officer, Tim Lloyd, and Landscape Architect, Mike Holmes, with the award.

You can see a video of the improvements here...