Wirral pushes on with its third attempt to create new market in Birkenhead as it gets set to invite proposals from potential contractors. Tony McDonough reports
Wirral Council will ask contractors to submit proposals to create a new market for Birkenhead in the town’s former TJ Hughes store.
Following a soft market engagement exercise the council is about to begin a formal procurement process, setting out proposals for the market’s relocation.
This next step will see selected contractors invited to submit proposals on how they would design and subsequently refurbish the former TJ Hughes unit located in the Pyramids shopping complex.
Once selected the appointed contractor will initially be appointed to complete the design for the scheme, and this will be followed by a main contract to facilitate the refurbishment and fit out works subject to agreed costs and programme.
Two previous projects to create a new market have been shelved in the last two years. Plans for a new facility in the House of Fraser site on Grange Road were scrapped in December 2023.
And, late in 2025, councillors abandoned a £12m plan for a market in the former Argos outlet, despite having already spent £1.3m on it.
In March the council announced it had applied for planning permission to demolish the current market at Grange Precinct. Notices were placed on the market building saying the work could start from October – but only after all current market traders have relocated.
Wirral Council leader Paula Basnett said: “The relocation of the market is a significant step in our wider plans to revitalise the town centre and support local traders.
“We are making good progress, with strong interest from contractors and continued engagement with traders to ensure the new market is welcoming, accessible and fit for the future.
“Our focus throughout this process is on creating a vibrant destination that benefits traders, residents and visitors alike, while delivering the project on time and to a high standard.”
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Alongside the procurement process, engagement with traders will continue including meeting with them to discuss the proposed market layout and potential stall locations. The intention is to design a layout that maximises footfall.
For traders seeking individual units within the shopping centre work is continuing on assessing available options with the aim to align the opening of the relocated market with the opening of individual retail units to ensure a coordinated and successful launch.