Neptune Developments has handed the revamped New Brighton waterfront back to Wirral Council, after completing a multi-million pound programme of public realm improvements.

A new model boating lake, a new promenade and improved seating formed part of the work, which has also seen the Marine Lake drained, overhauled and re-filled as part of a wider overhaul of the area. Construction work got underway last January and has taken seven months to complete, with the Northwest Development Agency contributing £3.9m to help progress the second phase of the £60m New Brighton scheme.

The £32m second phase will include the development of a 66-room hotel to be operated by Travelodge; a digital cinema; bars and restaurants; a public lido and a watersports training centre. Neptune Developments development director Rob Mason said: "The completion of this scheme complements the work we have already done with the £11m new Floral Pavilion theatre and conference centre."