Birkenhead Market will move into the former TJ Hughes unit in the Pyramids Shopping Centre on February 25, 2027, Wirral Council has confirmed. The historic market, which dates back to the 1830s, will open next year after years of uncertainty over its future.
Delays due to water damage
Traders had previously told the ECHO they expected to be in the new market by the end of this year, but ongoing preconstruction works have identified previously undiscovered water damage. The council says this damage will be addressed as it moves towards agreeing the full construction contract, which is due to begin soon.
The council says the new date reflects the need to carry out additional work within the building to ensure it is fit for purpose, as well as not wanting to move traders too close to the busy Christmas period and thereby disrupting their businesses at an important time of the year.
Mixed views among traders
The ECHO recently found the traders themselves have mixed views over the move. While some "can't wait" to start afresh, others have been left "absolutely disgusted" with how the move has been handled.
Wirral Council leader Cllr Paula Basnett said: "We know how important this move is for our traders, and our priority is to give them certainty about the next steps and make sure the new market is ready to welcome them."
Support measures planned
"While the issues that have come to light were not anticipated, identifying them now means they can be properly addressed before traders move into the building. We want to get this right and deliver a high quality market that traders and customers can have confidence in from day one."
"Having a clear move date means traders can plan ahead with confidence, while giving us the time needed to complete the remaining work and work together towards a successful opening."
"Over the coming months, we will continue to work closely with traders and keep them updated on progress. We are also putting measures in place to support trade and increase footfall, including seasonal events, marketing and promotional activity, improvements to the existing market environment and other initiatives to encourage people to continue supporting Birkenhead Market."
"This remains a major investment in the future of Birkenhead Market and the wider town centre. Our focus now is on completing the remaining work safely and to the right standard, supporting traders through the transition and making sure the new market is in the strongest possible position to succeed."
"Birkenhead Market has been at the heart of the town for generations. We want to make sure it continues to have a strong and successful future."
