Birkenhead Market contractor appointed to push project forward
Development of the new Birkenhead Market in the former TJ Hughes building is moving on to the next phase.
Approval has now been given for the award of a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) and enabling works to Krol Corlett Ltd.
The contractor will provide design development and construction advice to enable works for the new Birkenhead Market to be carried out.
The cost of the PCSA preliminary works is £610,843, which covers design, enabling works and the ordering of long lead items to prevent delays. It will ensure the refurbishment of the existing TJ Hughes retail unit can move forward at pace to provide a new Market Hall for Birkenhead.
This PCSA comes after a formal procurement process which saw contractors invited to submit proposals on how they would design and subsequently refurbish the former retail unit for the new market.
It follows the decision by the council’s Economy Regeneration and Housing Committee (November 2025) to relocate traders individually, or collectively, within refurbished units within the Birkenhead Town centre, and then to demolish the existing market site and create an outdoor market/event space/public realm.
Engagement with market traders is also continuing as discussions take place on the proposed market plans.
The intention is to design a layout that maximises footfall and creates a warm and welcoming environment for the public.
Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paula Basnett, said:
The new market will play an important role in the future of Birkenhead town centre so we want to see a destination which builds on the very best of what we have already and creates an attractive and welcoming place to visit and shop in.
Daniel Tebay, managing director of Krol Corlett, said:
This is a cornerstone project for the ongoing transformation of Birkenhead town centre and, as a Wirral resident, I know how important the market is to Birkonians. We're midway through the transformation of the market hall in Accrington and appreciate exactly what stallholders and the public want from such a key asset. Our skilled local tradespeople will ensure the very best workmanship and I'm looking forward to bringing my family along to enjoy the new market when it opens.
We are currently completing a major project at Wirral College and it is great to have another job on home turf," added Mr Tebay. "We're delighted to continue to play our part in the regeneration of the borough and my thanks go to the Council for placing its trust in us.
Once the design for the scheme is completed it will be followed by a main contract for the refurbishment and fit out works, subject to agreed costs and programme.
Details of the decision can be found on the council website at: Decision - BIRKENHEAD MARKET RELOCATION TO TJ HUGHES – PCSA AWARD | Wirral Council
