Date set for historic market's opening at new home

A date has been announced for the opening of a new Merseyside market, after months of wrangling over its controversial relocation.

The former TJ Hughes site at the Pyramids Shopping Centre will become Birkenhead Market's new home after traders objected to previous plans to move it to the town's former Argos store.

Businesses were split over the move to the TJ Hughes location, with some saying they "couldn't wait", while others strongly objected.

Full planning permission for works at the site has now been approved and the relocation is expected to see the new market open on 25 February 2027, Wirral Council said.

Leader Paula Basnett said: "We know how important this move is for our traders, and our priority is to give them certainty about the next steps and make sure the new market is ready to welcome them.

"We want to get this right and deliver a high-quality market that traders and customers can have confidence in from day one.

"Having a clear move date means traders can plan ahead with confidence, while giving us the time needed to complete the remaining work and work together towards a successful opening."

Wirral Council previously said it was supporting traders but understood "not everyone will agree with this decision".

The Wirral town's original historic market dates back to the 1830s.

Some have raised concerns with how the move has been handled, with some claiming they have been unable to secure a stall in the new market.

Others, such as Mike Eccles, who runs the longest-standing business in the market, backed the move, saying the current market is "half empty", with little footfall.

Fellow trader Mark Jones said: "We need a change. I think the move will be great business-wise and will help the market grow."

He said he had slight reservations about the new site not having a "proper market feel as it will be like a shop in a shop" but he felt that, ultimately, "a change is for the better".

Basnett continued: "Over the coming months, we will continue to work closely with traders and keep them updated on progress. We are also putting measures in place to support trade and increase footfall, including seasonal events, marketing and promotional activity, improvements to the existing market environment and other initiatives to encourage people to continue supporting the market.

"This remains a major investment in the future of Birkenhead Market and the wider town centre.

"Our focus now is on completing the remaining work safely and to the right standard, supporting traders through the transition and making sure the new market is in the strongest possible position to succeed."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.