Birkenhead Market is moving into the Pyramids shopping centre, but there are mixed views over whether its arrival will help breathe life into the struggling site. Locals recently shared their thoughts with the ECHO about the move into the former TJ Hughes building and whether it will benefit market traders.
Decline of the town centre
You can hop on the Merseyrail in Liverpool city centre and be at Birkenhead's Pyramids within ten minutes. But walking around, parts of the shopping centre feel worlds away from the bustling city you've just left.
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 into Liverpool when searching for retail therapy.
Market's relocation details
Birkenhead Market first opened almost 200 years ago in 1835. However, after years of recent decline it was decided the market would be relocated. After a period of uncertainty over the future site, traders are now set to move to the former TJ Hughes before the end of the year.
Wirral Council has previously said the relocation of Birkenhead Market is a "key priority" both for the traders and for the future success of Birkenhead town centre.
Local reactions
David Corser runs an embroidery business inside the Pyramids. Having worked in the shopping centre for twenty years, Mr Corser told the ECHO he has seen it face a "gradual decline". He added: "There's less and less footfall now but even when I started it seemed the place had seen better days."
However, Mr Corser remains positive about the future of the shopping centre and Birkenhead in general, adding: "I think the market moving in will be good for the future of the area."
Local ward councillor Pat Cleary is excited by the market's relocation and how it may impact the town. He told the ECHO: "The 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."
"It 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."
"And using the footprint of the existing market building gives the town loads of potential to further improve the offer to future visitors to Birkenhead. It has been a very tough few years for Birkenhead Market traders. I'm 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."
Friends Malcom McConkey and David Tresidder are very dissatisfied with how the shopping centre looks now. Standing on Princes Pavement, an area of the precinct with countless empty units, Mr Tressider said: "I was brought up here. The height of my childhood was going to the shops and now it's just not a friendly place to go anymore. The town needs to become more people friendly."
Also on Princes Pavement, Carol Mottrah described the area as an "absolute disgrace." While shopping with friends she said: "We've known this place the way it was and now all you find is charity shops. There's nothing for anybody."
Council plans for regeneration
In 2023, Wirral Council spent £10.5m buying the Pyramids and Grange shopping centres as part of plans to regenerate Birkenhead town centre.
Providing an update on its plans for the area, a council spokesperson told the ECHO: "The 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."
"A key aim is to see greater visitor numbers, supported by the recently improved pedestrian and cycling options, and encourage use of public transport. The council's strategic acquisition of the Pyramids estate in 2023 presents a major opportunity for shaping the town's future including the new market due to be in the former TJ Hughes building."
"Work is also in progress on preparing for the demolition of the current market after traders move out and meanwhile maximising uses in the area in support of longer-term plans. In addition Mallory and Irvine Buildings were constructed in part to help rationalise the council's property portfolio while at the same time generate increased day time footfall within Birkenhead town centre."
The spokesperson added: "The 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."
