Argyle Quarter businesses to receive £44,000 for frontage improvements
A targeted grant programme – the Argyle Quarter Commercial Property Improvement Grant Scheme – has awarded 10 Birkenhead businesses funding toward shop front improvements.
Launched in September 2024, applications of up to £5,000 were invited for the scheme which aims to improve the look of the area and support business growth. A total of 23 applications worth £110,995 were received from businesses within the designated locations.
The 10 applicants awarded funding comprise a mix of private sector companies and community-focused organisations. Their proposals cover improvements such as replacement of awnings and external fixtures, swapping external shutters out for toughened glass and access improvements, plus improved health and safety measures. The full list of grant recipients is:
- Make it Happen - 72-74 Market Street
- Skin Row LTD t/a The Lunch Bunch - 67 Market Street
- Istanbul Barber - 36 Argyle Street
- Wirral Mencap - 42-44 Market Street
- Phoenix Legal Solicitors - 44-50 Argyle Street
- Wish Upon a Party Entertainment Limited - 42-44 Argyle Street
- More than just cleaners - 46-48 Market Street
- WEB Merseyside - 32 Argyle Street
- Argyle News - 31 Argyle Street
- Face Kandi Medical Clinic - 70 Market Street
The overall objective of the scheme is to help make the area more attractive, increase footfall and support sustainable business growth in the Argyle and Market Street areas. This contributes toward the ongoing regeneration of Birkenhead and the wider plans in progress to shape the town’s future.
With many of the businesses in this area being either listed or falling within a Conservation Area, supporting the retention of historic shopfronts and encouraging high-quality design of new frontages is a key component of the programme, as well as ensuring an approach to security, lighting and signage that respects the character of the conservation area.
Councillor Tony Jones, Chair of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration & Housing Committee, said:
Supporting businesses to grow and thrive is crucial to building a town centre that draws people in. Being able to fund these projects will make tangible differences to local companies and the customers that they serve, and I look forward to seeing these improvements implemented over the coming months
Cllr Mike Wharton, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade, said:
We want our high streets to be busy, thriving places that people want to spend time in and a key part of that is attractive streets with interesting, independent businesses. Supporting these businesses on Argyle Street will make it a more welcoming area and hopefully encourage more people to visit and spend more time and money there!
The grant programme is funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through the city region’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation.
