Planning has been submitted for the conversion of the iconic 42,000 sq ft Mobil building into an upgraded Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Factory. This facility will act as an industry-led centre for manufacturing, prototyping, training and digital design, supporting new housing delivery both at Wirral Waters and across the wider region.
Originally opened in the 1930s as an oil terminal and blending plant operated by Mobil Oil, the building played a key role in the industrial activity of Birkenhead’s docklands. Although the plant closed in 2001, its size, structure and waterfront location have found a variety of creative and cultural uses — from a base for the iconic Giants who visited Liverpool to a film set for the The War of the Worlds series produced by BBC.
In August 2022, the Mobil Building entered a new phase of its life when Starship Group — a forward-looking, net zero modular housing and MMC (Modern Methods of Construction) manufacturer — moved its entire off-site manufacturing operations into the building.
The low-bay part of the Mobil Building was converted to accommodate Starship’s advanced manufacturing lines — turning an old oil-works shell into a cutting-edge factory producing modern, sustainable homes.
This shift not only preserves a key part of our industrial heritage — but also aligns perfectly with Wirral Waters’ vision of creating a sustainable, mixed-use waterfront district that delivers jobs, skills and innovation for the Liverpool City Region.
