Plans for how the new Birkenhead Market will look inside the former TJ Hughes store at the Pyramids Shopping Centre have been submitted to Wirral Council. The historic 19th-century market is relocating to the site after a period of uncertainty over its future location.
Work Set to Begin
The council announced this week that work at the TJ Hughes site is about to commence, with some market traders preparing to move before the end of the year. A planning application has been lodged on behalf of the council for external alterations to the former TJ Hughes building.
The main entrance to the new market will face north onto Borough Pavement, featuring a new glazed sliding double door with a "neutral and contemporary material palette." A second entrance will be created between the main entrance and the adjacent CEX unit, with the shopfront being upgraded as part of the works.
Planning permission is only required for external changes; internal alterations do not need separate approval.
Council Leader's Statement
Wirral Council leader Cllr Paula Basnett celebrated the news, stating: “This marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Birkenhead Market, and for the town centre as a whole. A huge amount of work has been going on behind the scenes to get to this stage.
“I’m incredibly pleased that people will soon start to see a real transformation getting underway at the former TJ Hughes site to create the town’s new market.
“Birkenhead Market's greatest strength has always been the people who make it what it is, and despite the challenges of recent years our traders have continued to serve customers and champion the market. Their partnership and commitment has been instrumental in bringing us to this point and will continue to be vital as we create a market fit for the future.
“This is fantastic for Birkenhead, for traders and for local people, and will be placing the Market at the heart of the town centre where it should be.”
