Update on Birkenhead Market relocation plans
Proposals to no longer press on with moving Birkenhead Market into the former Argos building are set to be discussed by members of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing (ERH) Committee.
It follows a workshop held in July with members of the ERH committee and senior council officers to consider the future options for the Market and how best to support its traders in the meantime.
The Market Update report set to be presented to the committee on September 4 says concerns were raised by members at the workshop about the location of the former Argos unit on Princes Pavement.
The report says that along with other town centres of similar size the retail core of Birkenhead town centre is reducing and the former Argos unit is on the periphery of that area. For a new market to thrive, locations more in the town centre retail / commercial area should be reviewed.
In light of this the report recommends that that no further steps be taken on moving the Market to the former Argos site as it “no longer aligns with the overall plan and timescales for the regeneration of the Town Centre”.
The Market Update report to the Economy, Regeneration & Housing Committee also recommends arrangements are made for a further workshop for the Committee Members to explore and recommend alternative options for the Market.
The report also says 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 Council’s right to hold a market in Birkenhead is contained in the Birkenhead Improvement Act 1833 and the Birkenhead Corporation Act 1881. These rights are often referred to as “Charter Rights” as the original grant of the right to hold a market in Birkenhead was made by Royal Charter in the thirteenth century and these rights were codified by subsequent legislation.
In March 2024 the Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee had approved the relocation of Birkenhead Market to the former Argos site on Princes Pavement.
This came after the proposals to develop a new Market on the former House of Fraser site were dropped as costs increased and it was seen as unaffordable within the available budget.
Around £1.3m has been spent on the refurbishment of the former Argos unit and if the proposals are accepted it would become available for alternative use.
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
