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Birkenhead Market could move into the former TJ Hughes store before the end of the year, according to Birkenhead News.
As everyone knows, the relocation of Birkenhead Market is mainly due to years of economic decline in the area and uncertainty over the market. Wirral Council has said the move is a "key priority" for them, and has emphasised the importance of the council and traders working together for a successful future and transition for the town centre.
Many shops have shut in Birkenhead town centre in the last few years. Just recently, it was announced that discount shoe store Wynsors was having a 30 percent off closing down sale. Other big brand shops have shut down in recent years, such as Argos and Wilko in 2023.
David Corser, who runs an embroidery business inside the Pyramids and has worked in the shopping centre for twenty years, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he has seen it face a "gradual decline".
He said there is less business now, but said the place "had seen better days" even when he began trading over two decades ago.
Fortunately, the business owner has expressed optimism for the future, and said the move was "good for the future of the area".
Carol Mottrah described the area to Birkenhead News as an "absolute disgrace". She said: "We've known this place the way it was, and now all you find is charity shops. There's nothing for anybody."
Councillor Pat Cleary said in a statement about the new market: "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.
Cleary also said the new market will improve shopping and "create more buzz" around the area, as it will improve the convenience of visitors when shopping.
He also acknowledged that it's been a "very tough few years" for traders, and expressed optimism for the new market.
The council started the regeneration proccess back in 2023, by buying the Pyramids and Grange shopping centres as part of plans to regenerate Birkenhead town centre.
A council spokesperson has reportedly told the publication work is in progress to prepare for the demolition of the current market, once market traders have moved out.
The spokesperson added that Mallory and Irvine Buildings were constructed in part to help rationalise the council's property portfolio while generating increased daytime footfall. The remaining vacant areas of these buildings are now being prepared to allow new tenants to move in.
