The Wirral Council is seeking a Development & Funding Partner to design, finance, and deliver the Birkenhead Heat Network—a major infrastructure project aligned with the Birkenhead 2040 Regeneration Framework.

The proposed heat network aims to supply low-carbon heating to a diverse mix of buildings, including:

• New and existing residential properties

• New and existing commercial buildings

This initiative supports the regeneration of Birkenhead, one of the UK's largest brownfield redevelopment sites, which plans to deliver 21,000 new homes and nearly 1,000,000 m² of employment space over the next two decades. The area designated for the heat network has been identified as a "priority district heating zone" in Wirral's Local Plan. The project aligns with the UK Government's heat network zoning policy, which will mandate that certain buildings in urban areas, such as Birkenhead, connect to district heating systems within a specified timeframe.

Wirral Council intends to appoint a Development Partner through a Development Agreement. This agreement will outline various project milestones. Should the project advance beyond the development phase, the Council and the Development Partner will become shareholders in an Energy Services Company (ESCo). The Council's involvement will be limited to a "Golden Share," granting control over specific reserved matters such as carbon intensity, reporting, and tariffs. The ESCo will be responsible for sourcing all capital funding and will supply heat to various public and private sector entities, including the Council itself. The ESCo partner will be appointed in perpetuity. The tender notice is expected to be published on 27 June 2025, with submissions to be made as requests to participate. The deadline for submitting requests is 28 July 2025 at 11:59 pm.