Grants to give ‘facelift’ to businesses in Argyle Quarter
A targeted programme will see businesses in part of Birkenhead awarded grants to fund shop front improvement.
The second phase of the Argyle Quarter Commercial Property Improvement Grants will see ten businesses on Argyle Street and Market Street awarded a combined £30,000.
The previous round of grants saw 10 local businesses secure funding for improvements quickly giving the area a fresh new look while retaining heritage features and supporting business growth.
The latest grant programme was launched in August 2025 and again is focused on the Argyle Street and Market Street area seeking applications for grants of up to £5,000.
The grants are for capital works such as signage and lighting, replacement of awnings and external fixtures, as well as general refreshing of shop front exteriors.
The successful applicants were:
- Malu Hair dressing
- Weapons Down
- Aaron Jones
- Nightingales
- Make CIC
- Collab Room
- Wish Upon a Party
- Capitol
- Swasadee
- Alleycats
The overall objective of the scheme is to make the area more attractive and increase footfall in the Argyle and Market Street areas.
Many of the buildings in this area are either listed or within a Conservation Area so supporting the retention of historic shopfronts and encouraging high-quality design of new frontages is a key component of the programme, as well as helping with security, lighting and signage that respects the character of the conservation area.
Cllr Mark Skillicorn, chair of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration & Housing Committee, said:
Our high streets already play an important role in our communities, and we want to support businesses to keep growing and improving. Grant schemes like this, though relatively modest, can have a significant impact - helping local companies enhance their offer as and attract more customers. We want to see the Argyle Quarter become an even more welcoming place and encourage more people to spend their time and money there – supporting our fantastic local businesses.
Cllr Mike Wharton, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade, said:
Our high streets should be busy and thriving places where people want to spend time in attractive places with interesting and independent businesses. That’s just what’s happening on Argyle Street and I’m proud we’ve been able to play our part. Supporting individual businesses previously has enabled them to make improvements that have given a collective shot in the arm to the whole area and I’m sure these latest businesses will also make the most of the funding.
The grant programme is funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through the city region’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation.
