View the exciting plans for the new Birkenhead Market.
The former House of Fraser site has been chosen as the location for the new market.
The store closed its doors in March 2019 and was subsequently acquired by Wirral Council in December 2020.
Located at the entrance to the existing shopping area, proposed commercial district, and future residential development on Hind Street the redevelopment of this site has the potential to deliver something truly transformational.
A new modern market in this location will create a landmark destination that will attract more visitors into Birkenhead and help existing and future independent businesses grow and thrive.
The current market will continue to be open for business as usual and will stay there and remain trading as normal until the new market is complete. The need to provide a new market before the existing market closes has been a key consideration in the proposals.
Tradition
Destination
A place that re-captures the spirit of the historic market so it once again becomes a thriving hub of activity and commerce.
A place that provides a new destination for shopping, leisure, culture and community events and that increases footfall to help drive the day and night time economy.
Evolution
Sustainability
A place that supports established and aspiring entrepreneurs, so it is resilient, lively and purposeful and provides the flexibility to adapt to change.
A place that is a model for sustainability and provides spaces that are low carbon, sustainable and energy efficient.
Distinctiveness
Inclusivity
A place that is distinctive with independent local businesses and dynamic start ups and delivers a standout development that creates an attractive gateway to the town centre.
A place that is accessible to all and where everyone can be part of the story for Birkenhead.
The design of the building takes it inspiration from the arches on the main entrance to the existing market. The dramatisation of this key feature ensures the market hall delivers a landmark building at this key gateway location.
The brickwork is reflective of the historic character of Birkenhead and the use of large windows allows natural light to penetrate through the market hall but also provides animation at street level to draw people in.
The fabric of the building has been designed with the clear focus of sustainable and energy efficient. Solar roof panels are proposed to reduce the buildings energy consumption.
It is important that the new market provides a place for independent local businesses to thrive and is a destination that supports both the day and night time economy.
WGC have come up with some initial ideas for the internal layout of the market.
The emerging plans have been designed to provide flexible spaces that can adapt to changes over time.
Retail stalls would wrap around the central food, beverage and entertainment offer to give the market a real buzz throughout the day.
Customer toilets and storage are proposed at the back the building and the first floor mezzanine could provide further flexible space for seating, storage and market office.
However, for the new market to be successful we recognise it must meet the needs and aspirations of both traders and customers.
One to one discussions with existing traders are currently ongoing and this along with the feedback from the public consultation events will help to inform the final plans.
3rd March 2023
Consultation with traders
9th & 11th March 2023
Public consultation events
26th March
The date for returning comments on the draft proposals
June 2023
Submission of the planning application and proposed demolition of the former House of Fraser building
Summer 2023
Planning application subject to consultation with the local community and statutory consultees
Autumn 2023
Planning application expected to be determined by Wirral Council
Early 2024
Construction of the new market begins
Autumn 2025
Market opens for trading
As part of our drive to provide opportunities to local tradespeople and smaller businesses, we have connected with Work Radar to increase accessibility to open roles on our future pipeline of work.
Register today and make your skills and business known to those that procure the works.