Wirral Council releases new images showing the proposed new Birkenhead Market and is seeking the views of the public. Tony McDonough reports

Wirral Council is seeking public views on proposals for a new market in Birkenhead town centre.

Initial plans for a new market on the former House of Fraser site on Grange Road were shelved in December 2023. Earlier this year the council revealed a new proposal for a market in the former Argos unit on Princes Pavement.

Birkenhead has had a town centre market since 1835 with the current facility based within the Grange Precinct. The council took over the market in 2019 and revealed plans for a new facility in 2020.

To be based on Princes Pavement next to Birkenhead’s bus station and in the heart of the town centre the new Birkenhead Market will be a key part of the council’s regeneration plans for the town.

New designs have been developed over the last few months and indicate how it could look, including potential layout for traders.

Leader of Wirral Council, Paul Stuart, said: “Across the country, town centres are transforming to meet the evolving needs of shoppers and visitors.

“Birkenhead Market, which has been at the heart of the town centre for generations, is ready to embrace positive steps to secure its future.

“This latest engagement with residents, shoppers, market traders, and everyone invested in the Market’s future is an exciting opportunity. 

“Together, we will shape the new market in its new location, a space that holds great potential to perfectly meet the current and future needs of our vibrant shopping area, further energising our mission to breathe new life into Birkenhead town centre.”

The public can offer their views via an online survey using the council’s Have Your Say website platform – running for three weeks from Monday September 2 – and paper surveys will be available for those who want them.

There will also be in-person engagement sessions held in the Pyramids Shopping Centre. This will include large format CGI images and floorplans outlining the design proposals.

They will take place starting from Monday, September 16, and continuing to Saturday, September 21, in the Pyramids Shopping Centre (near the food court, opposite Next) from 11.30am to 1.30pm.

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Market traders will also be able to have their say on the designs, with each currently being invited to an individual meeting with the council’s market development consultant.

Work to strip out the unit which will house the new market is due to start mid-September to prepare it for being fitted out. Click here to see the proposals.