Wirral to review Birkenhead market plans
The local authority is rethinking proposals for the town centre’s regeneration following its recent acquisition of the Pyramids and Grange shopping centres.
Wirral Council’s decision to reconsider its plans for Birkenhead market came to light at its economy, regeneration, and housing committee meeting on Monday after dissatisfied councillors raised concerns regarding the scheme’s progress.
Wirral Growth Company, a joint venture between the council and Muse, launched a consultation in February on its plans to demolish the existing House of Fraser building off Grange Road, replacing it with a new market hall. The existing Birkenhead Market, which sits just minutes away, would then be demolished.
The authority acquired the House of Fraser site in January 2021 and was granted approval for its demolition in June.
With an empty building and no planning application submitted for the project, Cllr Jo Bird said that “despite promises, there is very little progress on the ground”.
Director of regeneration and place David Hughes responded to calls for the market’s development to be included in the borough’s work plan by stating that “things change”.
“We’ve bought a shopping centre, a major asset in the town centre, and some of the decisions that have been made about the market need to be reviewed in light of that acquisition.”
Hughes was referring to Wirral Council’s acquisition of 585,000 sq ft of retail space across The Pyramids and The Grange from Mars Pension Fund in May.
Cllr Tony Jones, chair of Wirral Council’s economy, regeneration, and housing committee, said that the authority remains committed to delivering a new market in Birkenhead town centre, however these purchases “now present opportunities not previously available.”
“If any changes to previous proposals are brought forward they will continue to meet the wider regeneration plans for the borough and Birkenhead, as well as undergoing full consultation before any final decisions are made.”
When asked explicitly whether the new market will no longer be created on the former House of Fraser site, Jones stated that the council is not in a position to publicly discuss those details.
Stantec is working with Wirral Council on the proposals.
The people of this borough need to know what is planned for our future and surrounding area’s. We hear rumours but nothing definite. Other area’s are growing while our’s remains static. I may not live to see it completed but my children and grandchildren will
By Norma O’Neill
DEMOLISH The grange! Its very outdated and half empty, realistically we will never ever fill those units again. The indoor pyramids is decent and the foodcourt is ok too. Consolodate all remaining retailers into one space, that will bring more footfall as the place will be more appealing!
Also give us a nice PUBLIC SQUARE. Similar to Hamilton Square but with restaurants and stuff around it.
Build the new market on the old B&M site where its closer to Grange Road, almost all the units on our high street are full.
By UrbanPlann