Birkenhead Market: report to councillors on options

Councillors are due to consider the options for the next step in the future of Birkenhead Market.

At a previous meeting of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing committee in December 2023 members agreed the Director of Regeneration and Place should appoint a market curator and design team to look at the options for a market and bring the outcome back to the committee in spring 2024.

The authority had already indicated it would pause previous proposals for a new market at the House of Fraser site as costs had been increasing substantially, rising 25% from initial estimates in 2021.

A report, Birkenhead Market Options, which assesses potential locations for the market, is being presented to members of the Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee at their meeting on March 27.

The locations considered in the report are at Princes Pavement, St John’s Pavement and the existing market location.

Officers have worked with a market curator and design team over last three months to develop more detailed proposals. This followed engagement with the Birkenhead Market Traders Association (BMTA) and options put forward by them, and this work forms the evidence base for the recommendation in the report.

The recommendation is for the use of the site on Princes Pavement for a market, and also that the council notify Wirral Growth Company LLP that the authority does not wish to proceed with a market development at the House of Fraser site.

Councillors will meet to consider the report Birkenhead Market Options on Wednesday March 27. The agenda for the Economy, Regeneration and Housing committee meeting is published on the council website, including reports for the items being presented. The meeting is also webcast and can be viewed online.