Work has begun on the site of the new Birkenhead Market, sparking mixed reactions among traders. While some are eager to move, others have expressed anger and disappointment over the relocation process.
New Home in Pyramids Shopping Centre
The historic market, dating back to the 1830s, is set to relocate to the former TJ Hughes unit in the Pyramids Shopping Centre. Earlier plans to move to the former Argos on Princes Pavements were shelved after traders rejected the idea, making the TJ Hughes site a more popular alternative.
Mike Eccles from Billy Hill Curtains, the longest-standing business in Birkenhead Market, told the ECHO he "can't wait" to move. He described the current market as "half empty" with little footfall. Trader Mark Jones agreed, saying: "We need a change. I think the move will be great business-wise and will help the market grow." However, Jones expressed concerns that the new site might lack a "proper market feel" and could feel like "a shop in a shop."
Optimism and Concerns Among Traders
Clothes shop owner Jin Dhillon said he is "really looking forward to the move after a few years of being in the unknown." He added: "There's less and less people coming in here now. The new place should have more footfall." Another trader, Mark Davey, said the new market "can't be any worse than what it's like now." Davey is hopeful for more passing trade but raised concerns about stalls at the back of the new market being hidden away. He noted: "I think it'll be ok if you're at the front."
However, not all traders share this optimism. Valerie Hudson, who has traded in the market for 25 years, told the ECHO she will not be moving because she was told there is no room for her. She said she has been "absolutely disgusted" with how some traders have been treated. Several traders, who wished to remain anonymous, raised concerns about a new points system used to allocate stalls. They claimed the system seemed "made up" and that the metrics were unclear.
Council Responds to Concerns
A Wirral Council spokesperson responded: "Relocating Birkenhead Market is a key priority, and it is vital that we get this move right, both for traders and for the future success of Birkenhead town centre. Throughout this process we have worked closely with traders, providing regular communication, one-to-one discussions and ongoing support to help businesses prepare for the move and understand the options available to them. The overwhelming majority of current traders are moving to the new market, and we look forward to supporting them as they establish themselves in the new space. As part of the relocation process, decisions about the allocation of units have been made through a structured assessment process and within the practical constraints of the new building, and this has been communicated openly throughout. Our focus has been on working together to create a sustainable, vibrant market with the right mix of businesses to give the market, and the traders within it, the best possible chance of long-term success. We understand this is a significant period of change for traders, and that not everyone will agree with every decision. We remain committed to working with all businesses during this transition, and we are focused on creating a market that continues to serve residents, support local businesses and attract visitors for many years to come."
The move is expected to take place by the end of the year.
