{"id":1163082,"date":"2026-08-22T13:45:28","date_gmt":"2026-08-22T13:45:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1163082\/"},"modified":"2026-08-22T13:45:28","modified_gmt":"2026-08-22T13:45:28","slug":"traders-could-move-into-new-birkenhead-market-before-end-of-year-birkenhead-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1163082\/","title":{"rendered":"Traders could move into new Birkenhead Market before end of year \u2013 Birkenhead News"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Birkenhead Market is set to move into the former TJ Hughes store. People recently explained to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) what they thought about the move and if it will be good for the traders in Birkenhead Market. But how will it impact the shopping centre itself and the wider town?<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can hop on the train in Liverpool city centre and be at Birkenhead\u2019s shopping centre within ten minutes, but when walking around, parts of the town centre feel worlds away from the bustling city you\u2019ve just left.<\/p>\n

Like many towns across the country, Birkenhead has suffered from the decline of high street shopping. A number of big-name brands have shut up shop in the Wirral town, forcing many shoppers over the Mersey to Liverpool when on the search for some retail therapy.<\/p>\n

Birkenhead Market first opened almost 200 years ago, in 1835. However, after years of decline, it was recently decided that the market would be relocated. After a period of uncertainty over the future site, market traders are now set to move into the former TJ Hughes store before the end of the year.<\/p>\n

Wirral Council has previously said that the relocation of Birkenhead Market is a \u201ckey priority\u201d both for the traders and for the future success of Birkenhead town centre.<\/p>\n

\"\"David Corser. Credit: Andrew Spence<\/strong><\/p>\n

David Corser runs an embroidery business inside the Pyramids. Having worked in the shopping centre for twenty years, Mr Corser told the LDRS that he has seen it face a \u201cgradual decline\u201d.<\/p>\n

He added, \u201cThere\u2019s less and less footfall now, but even when I started it seemed the place had seen better days.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, Mr Corser remains positive about the future of the shopping centre and Birkenhead in general. He said, \u201cI think the market moving in will be good for the future of the area.\u201d<\/p>\n

Friends Malcom McConkey and David Tresidder are very dissatisfied with how the shopping centre looks now.<\/p>\n

While standing on Princes Pavement, an area of the precinct with countless empty units, Mr Tressider said, \u201cI was brought up here. The height of my childhood was going to the shops and now it\u2019s just not a friendly place to go anymore. The town needs to become more people-friendly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Malcom McConkey (L) and David Tressider on Princes Pavement. Credit: Andrew Spence<\/strong>\"\"Carol Mottrah<\/strong>. Credit: Andrew Spence<\/strong><\/p>\n

Also on Princes Pavement, Carol Mottrah described the area as an \u201cabsolute disgrace\u201d. While shopping with friends, she said: \u201cWe\u2019ve known this place the way it was, and now all you find is charity shops. There\u2019s nothing for anybody.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cllr Pat Cleary said, \u201cThe new Birkenhead Market is a huge step forward for Birkenhead town centre. The new hall will have a completely different feel and promises to be a far more attractive offer for shoppers than what we have at present.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will help create more buzz and an improved shopping footprint, making it easier for everyone to get what they need where they need it. In time, it should help make Birkenhead a better place for business to invest. The ability for the market to expand upstairs creates exciting potential for future traders.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd using the footprint of the existing market building gives the town loads of potential to further improve the offer to future visitors to Birkenhead.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has been a very tough few years for Birkenhead Market traders. I\u2019m glad a solution has finally been found that gives traders a brighter future and will help Birkenhead town centre turn the corner towards a more vibrant future.\u201d<\/p>\n

In 2023, Wirral Council spent \u00a310.5m buying the Pyramids and Grange shopping centres as part of plans to regenerate Birkenhead town centre.<\/p>\n

Providing an update on its plans for the area, a council spokesperson told the LDRS, \u201cThe council is seeking to maximise the prospects for central Birkenhead with a focus on attracting more people into the town centre alongside promoting more business uses and attracting greater numbers of shoppers.<\/p>\n

\u201cA key aim is to see greater visitor numbers, supported by the recently improved pedestrian and cycling options, and encourage use of public transport.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe council\u2019s strategic acquisition of the Pyramids estate in 2023 presents a major opportunity for shaping the town\u2019s future, including the new market due to be in the former TJ Hughes building.<\/p>\n

\u201cWork is also in progress on preparing for the demolition of the current market after traders move out and maximising meanwhile uses in the area in support of longer-term plans.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn addition, Mallory and Irvine Buildings were constructed in part to help rationalise the council\u2019s property portfolio while at the same time generate increased daytime footfall within Birkenhead town centre.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe remaining vacant areas of these buildings are now being prepared to allow new tenants to move in, bringing an increased potential footfall for the town and local shops. Meanwhile, the council also continues to work closely with the managing agents for the shopping centre on improvements and bringing vacant units back into use.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lead image credit: Birkenhead News<\/strong><\/p>\n

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