Views sought on new Birkenhead Market designs

Plans to move the market to the former Argos building were approved in March

Residents in Wirral are being asked for their views on designs for the new Birkenhead Market.

The move to the former Argos, next to the town's bus station, was approved earlier this year.

The new market will be based on Princes Pavement next to the town’s bus station as part of regeneration plans.

A consultation on the market proposals runs until 23 September.

A public consultation will run until 23 September

Wirral Council has been working on plans for a new market in the town since 2019 with a number of different locations put forward and at least £1.5m already spent.

However the relationship between the council and market traders soured over the last year following a controversial decision to relocate the facility to the former Argos site on Princes Pavements.

Traders believe many long-standing businesses will have to close down due to a lack of trading space and a location on the edge of the town centre away from shoppers.

The council said the Argos location provided benefits such as links to public transport and the design of the market was open to change and the authority would continue to engage with traders going forward.

Leader of Wirral Council, Paul Stuart, said the authority wanted to "futureproof" the market.

“Across the country, town centres are transforming to meet the evolving needs of shoppers and visitors," he said.

"Birkenhead Market, which has been at the heart of the town centre for generations, is ready to embrace positive steps to secure its future."

The council said the consultation invited views from residents, shoppers and market traders.

They are being invited to an individual meeting with the council’s market development consultant.

Work to strip out the Argos unit is expected to start in mid-September to prepare it for the refurbishment which is planned to be completed in 2026.