Metropolitan Borough of Wirral
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| Metropolitan Borough of Wirral | |
|---|---|
| Name | Metropolitan Borough of Wirral |
| Settlement type | Metropolitan borough |
| Coordinates | 53.393, -3.014 |
| Subdivision type | Sovereign state |
| Subdivision name | United Kingdom |
| Subdivision type1 | Country |
| Subdivision name1 | England |
| Subdivision type2 | Region |
| Subdivision name2 | North West England |
| Subdivision type3 | Ceremonial county |
| Subdivision name3 | Merseyside |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1 April 1974 |
| Seat type | Admin. HQ |
| Seat | Wallasey |
| Leader title | Council |
| Leader name | Wirral Borough Council |
| Leader title1 | MPs |
| Leader name1 | Mick Whitley (Lab),, Margaret Greenwood (Lab),, Angela Eagle (Lab) |
| Area total km2 | 157.03 |
| Population total | 321,238 |
| Population as of | 2021 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Blank name sec1 | ONS code |
| Blank info sec1 | 00CB |
| Blank name sec2 | GSS code |
| Blank info sec2 | E08000015 |
| Blank name sec3 | ISO 3166-2 |
| Blank info sec3 | GB-WRL |
| Website | www.wirral.gov.uk |
Metropolitan Borough of Wirral. The Metropolitan Borough of Wirral is a local government district with borough status in the ceremonial county of Merseyside, North West England. It occupies the major part of the Wirral Peninsula, which lies between the estuaries of the River Mersey and the River Dee, facing the city of Liverpool across the Mersey. Governed by Wirral Borough Council, its principal towns include Birkenhead, Wallasey, Bebington, and Heswall.
History
The peninsula's history is marked by its strategic position between the ancient kingdoms of Mercia and Northumbria, with Birkenhead Priory founded in the 12th century. The area transformed during the Industrial Revolution, with the growth of Birkenhead as a major shipbuilding centre, home to the famous Cammell Laird shipyard, and the development of the Mersey Railway tunnel. The borough in its current form was created on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, merging the former county boroughs of Birkenhead and Wallasey with the municipal borough of Bebington and the Wirral Urban District. Historically part of Cheshire, it was transferred to the new metropolitan county of Merseyside in 1974.
Geography
The borough covers approximately 60 square miles on the Wirral Peninsula, bounded by the Irish Sea to the north, the River Mersey to the east, and the River Dee to the west. Its landscape includes urban areas, coastal stretches like New Brighton, and significant green spaces such as Birkenhead Park—a pioneering public park that influenced Central Park in New York City—and the Wirral Way footpath. The peninsula's geology features sandstone ridges and estuarine marshes, with notable sites including Thurstaston Common and the Hilbre Islands.
Governance
Local government is the responsibility of Wirral Borough Council, a metropolitan borough council with its main offices in Wallasey Town Hall. The borough is divided into 22 wards, electing 66 councillors. It is represented in the House of Commons by three MPs for the constituencies of Birkenhead, Wallasey, and Wirral West. The council has been under Labour control since 2023, following periods of Conservative and Liberal Democrat administration.
Demographics
According to the 2021 Census, the borough had a population of 321,238. The population is predominantly White British, with smaller communities including those of Irish, Asian, and Black heritage. Major population centres are the urban areas of Birkenhead, Wallasey, and Bebington, with more affluent suburbs such as West Kirby and Heswall. The borough has an aging population profile compared to the national average, with higher proportions of residents over 65.
Economy
Historically dominated by maritime and manufacturing industries like shipbuilding at Cammell Laird and chemical production, the economy has diversified significantly. Key sectors now include advanced manufacturing, logistics centred around the Twelve Quays port facility, retail in complexes like Birkenhead Market, and tourism along the Wirral Coastal Walk. The borough is part of the Liverpool City Region economic area and hosts significant employers such as the NHS at Arrowe Park Hospital and financial services companies.
Landmarks and culture
The borough boasts numerous landmarks, including the Lever-built model village of Port Sunlight with its Lady Lever Art Gallery, the historic Hamilton Square in Birkenhead, and the Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton. Cultural institutions include the Wirral Museum at Birkenhead Town Hall, the Floral Pavilion Theatre, and the Spaceport discovery centre. It is also known for hosting major events like the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake and the Wirral International Guitar Festival.
Category:Metropolitan Borough of Wirral Category:Metropolitan boroughs of England Category:Districts of Merseyside