Although Birkenhead Market is outside Hamilton Square, Mark Skillicorn, Chair of Wirral’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing (ERH) Committee, said: “The market has always been a fundamental part of the fabric of Birkenhead, and it’s vitally important that we are making the right decision about its future for the town, the traders and our residents.”
The Friends agree, and pressed the Council to reconsider the active proposal to move the existing Market to the empty Argos retail site in Princes Pavement. Despite the Council spending £1.3m on the stripping out and refurbishing the former Argos unit, it will now become available for alternative use.
Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paula Basnett, said: “Birkenhead Market is one of the most important parts of our town’s identity, and we have to get its future right.” She added, “This decision shows we are listening to traders, to residents and to the wider community and that we are prepared to pause and reconsider when concerns are raised.”
Council Committee members and senior council officers will meet to workshop alternative options that would bring a new market offer closer into the retail centre of Birkenhead, and the date for this workshop has yet to be set.
The Council is also being advised that a series of temporary craft markets and festive activities will be held at the existing outdoor market hall and the town centre in the build up to the Christmas period 2025, for the aim to help increase footfall and support existing market traders and town centre businesses.
Photo courtesy of Wirral Globe.
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BIRKENHEAD Market will no longer move into the former Argos building.
This decision follows a workshop held in July, where committee members discussed concerns about the planned move to
“We now have a real opportunity to work in partnership with traders to shape a market that sits at the heart of the town centre, drives footfall, and provides a modern and vibrant offer for local people.
“That is the standard our residents expect, and it is the ambition we are committed to delivering.”
“While taking a step back and reviewing something already in motion is not always the easy choice, it’s clear that reassessing the future plan for Birkenhead Market was the right thing to do.
“Getting this move right will improve job opportunities, business start ups and hopefully kickstart a retail chain reaction in the town centre.
“We now have the opportunity to look at alternative options, in full partnership with the traders, to ensure we’re creating the best possible offer for the people of Wirral.”