Wirral Growth Company launches Birkenhead market consultation
The JV between Wirral Council and Muse intends to replace the existing House of Fraser building on Grand Road with a new market hall.
Wirral Growth Company’s plans would see the demolition and replacement of the 70,000 sq ft department store, as well as the creation of public realm linking St Werburgh’s Square and Oliver Street East.
Birkenhead’s existing market would remain open until the project, designed by AHR Architects, is complete.
Wirral Growth Company is hoping to capture the history of the 1845 market in the new-build project, which would be made up of independent retail, food, and drink stalls.
Wirral Council acquired the House of Fraser site in January 2021.
Chair of Wirral Council’s economy, regeneration and development committee, Cllr Tony Jones, said: “A key part of our redevelopment plans for Birkenhead town centre has always been the market. It is vital that local people get involved, to help us shape a revitalised and vibrant town centre.”
Mike Horner, development director at Muse, added: “Any consultation or conversation is an opportunity for local people to help shape proposals and we’re encouraging everyone to come along and have their say.
“Working with partners, we’ll create a place that works for both traders and customers alike; that gives a nod to the town’s rich heritage, but also creates a platform for it to realise its ambitions for the future.”
The local community can have their say on the plans at BirkenEd’s Place, located at 8-10 Borough Pavements in the Grange Precinct, on Thursday 9 March from 11am-4:30pm and Saturday 11 March from 11am-4pm.
Alternatively, access the online consultation from 9-26 March at wirralgrowthcompany.co.uk.
Barton Willmore, now Stantec is advising the growth company on planning.
Relocate all market traders into the pyramids. Its dead. Give them some footfall which the pyramids has until the new market opens! Make sure the new market is fully viewed from all 4 sides NOT JUST ONE (the bus station current view). Create a big food hall in the new one thats where its at now!
By Urbanplann
I suggest our councilors go to view Shrewsbury Market which has been totally revitalised without spending enormous amounts.
By Anita
This new market has to work and have a modern outlook, no saturation of cheap clothes, domestic cleaning products, football flags and scarves , etc, it needs to have attractively displayed stalls with fresh fruit and veg products, good bread and other baked products, interesting deli stalls, and the kind of atmosphere created at markets abroad such as Bilbao.In addition there needs to be quality food and drink outlets that attract locals and visitors alike in order to make this venture a positive experience that people want to return to.
By Anonymous
I can’t believe the architect has taken inspiration off the current market’s design! I thought we were supposed to be improving design standards in the “new” Birkenhead.
BDP’s previous design was much better than this effort.
By William Hesketh
Nothing wrong with existing building, just it’s setting – total waste of time and money.
Developers and consultants exploiting the public purse and politicians craving hard hat moments.
For extreme examples look to Detroit !
By Anonymous
Not quite what Birkenhead needs to revitalise it’s dying centre.
They need to kick the dodgy traders out and go a bit more upmarket.
By Anonymous
I grew up on that market it has very nice memories I dont want it to completely change. I dont want it to be just full of food toon I like the t shirt shops and hat shops and the flags it’s all just so nice to see and walk around and view the diversity of it all.
By ruby
The design appearance is excellent, on various levels. The first priority for any town development should be that it doesn’t look like the town next door; no tin clad boxes on portal frame grids.
By Looking for something different
What’s wrong with moving it into the old M&S, utilise an existing building and stop paying for consultants.
By Anonymous
Wow looks Amazing and Inviting x
By Belinda Prescott
Great idea but need to stop taking about it and get on with the new market now not in 6 to 12 mouths time build it now
By John smith