Fulfil the Promise: Create a Flagship Market for Birkenhead

We, the undersigned residents, business owners, and supporters of the vibrant community in Birkenhead, call upon the Wirral Borough Council to fulfil its promise to establish a new flagship market in Birkenhead.

 

 

This was one idea for a new Birkenhead Market on the site of the former M&S unit.

In recent years, there have been promises made by the council to provide a thriving market in Birkenhead. These promises have been made on several occasions and publicised in local media, one example of this is this quote from former Cllr Phil Davies in the Liverpool Echo, “We recognise that if we are to deliver our ambitious plan to regenerate Birkenhead, we need to place a thriving and successful modern market at the heart of our plans”.  

This commitment to provide a Market that serves the local community, supports local independent business and enhances the overall economic and social well being of our town, has generated much excitement and anticipation among residents. People who believe the positive impact a flagship market will have on Birkenhead.

However, we have observed delays, a lack in communication and setbacks in the implementation of this promise. We now know that the council plan to decant the Market into the old Argos site. This site has an unfortunately low footfall (hence why Argos a multi million pound corporation have exited) and is the cheapest to rent in the town centre. We feel that this does not reflect what was promised by WBC. Many jobs and businesses will be lost if this goes ahead. We have consulted with traders and expect to lose over half of them through lack of space offered in the Argos site. This is not the outcome we the traders or the local community want or deserve. 

This proposal will be voted for by our local councillor’s on December 6th at the Economy Regeneration & Housing Committee meeting. 

 

 

We fear the worst. That Birkenhead Market will cease to exist after being open since 1835. The absence of a dedicated market space not only hampers the growth of local businesses but also deprives the community of a central hub for social interaction and economic activity. From first hand experience I know just how much the market means to a huge range of people, particularly the elderly and vulnerable market goers who rely on the market for a place to shop affordably, socialise and for their sense of community.

Therefore, we urge the Wirral Borough Council to take immediate and concrete steps to fulfil its promise of establishing a new flagship market in Birkenhead. This market should be designed to showcase the diversity of local products, create job opportunities, and contribute to the overall vibrancy of our community. We want the Birkenhead market that was established in 1835 to continue for decades to come.

By signing this petition, we express our strong support for the timely realisation of a promised vibrant flagship market in Birkenhead. We believe that such an initiative will not only honour the Council's commitment but also significantly enhance the quality of life for residents and contribute to the economic prosperity of our town.

We, the undersigned, call on the Wirral Borough Council to prioritise the development of the flagship market in Birkenhead and work collaboratively with our community to ensure its successful establishment.

 

 

3D render of the proposed Market on the old House of Frasier site featured in the Liverpool Echo 

 

Birkenhead Market Tenants Association