Birkenhead Market Update
Members of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing (ERH) Committee have voted to discontinue work on moving Birkenhead Market into the former Argos building.
Instead, Committee Members and senior council officers will meet as soon as is possible to workshop alternative options that would bring a new market offer closer into the retail centre of Birkenhead.
This decision follows a workshop held in July, where Committee Members discussed concerns about the planned move to Princes Pavement.
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. 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.
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.
Mark Skillicorn, Chair of Wirral’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing (ERH) Committee, said:
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.
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. 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.
Around £1.3m has been spent on the stripping out and refurbishing the former Argos unit, and it will now become available for alternative use.
A date for the workshop will be set as soon as possible following this decision, with alternative options being brought back to ERH committee members for consideration in due course.
The report discussed at the meeting also advised that in the build up to the Christmas period a series of temporary craft markets and festive activities will be held at the existing outdoor market hall and the town centre. The aim of these will be to help increase footfall and support existing market traders and town centre businesses during the festive period.
The full report can be read at item 6 on the committee agenda: Agenda for Economy Regeneration & Housing Committee on Thursday, 4th September 2025, 6.00 p.m. | Wirral Council
