The project would see the Grade II listed Hydraulic Tower at the Birkenhead docklands transformed into a hub for education, research and training within the maritime sector.

Work is scheduled to start in 2023 with an expected build time of 18 months.

Designed by Ellis Williams Architects, the Maritime Knowledge Hub is set to be one of the most important parts of the entire Wirral Waters regeneration project.

Set within the existing 19^th century Hydraulic Tower building and Engine House, originally designed as a copy of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, the Maritime Knowledge Hub project will breathe new life into the building.

The redevelopment plan retains as much of the building’s original character as possible.

Complementing the historical tower will be a new 4-storey extension to accommodate some of the country’s most famous and innovative maritime organisations.

Wirral Council has been a core partner to the Maritime Knowledge Hub project from the outset and is working closely with the prospective tenants, Peel L&P, Mersey Maritime and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Richard Mawdsley, director of development for Wirral Waters at Peel L&P, said: “The design of the Hub and the regeneration of the tower is very special with education, industry and culture at its very core.

‘The tower is a very important local asset, full of history and heritage, and it’s only right that it takes centre stage of the Wirral Waters regeneration project.”