Birkenhead Priory was founded in 1150 and is the oldest remaining building in Merseyside. It shares its site with the tower and spire of St Mary’s Church. The church dates from 1821 and the tower, which is open to the public, provides panoramic views over The Mersey, the Liverpool waterfront and Cammell Lairds Shipyard. The site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and the buildings are listed from Grade II to Grade I. The buildings were in need of repair and maintenance following a lack of attention over recent years. The site also required basic improvements to its on site and visitor facilities and access arrangements. The first phase of work has included significant repairs to the stonework of the tower and spire, installation of a platform lift to improve access, new interpretation of the site and reinstatement of on site car parking. The principal focus has been to improve the profile of this important historical site and to encourage an increased number of visitors. The second phase of the project, which is being supported by the HLF will include £300,000 worth of stonework repairs to the medieval ruins. The repairs will include stabilising works, replacement of wall cappings, removal of damaging vegetation growing within the structure and repointing of the stonework. In addition improved signage is proposed to enhance the visitor experience to the Birkenhead Priory and help people interpret the site remains.