WIRRAL Council has revealed it is set to buy the leasehold of Birkenhead Market in a move that will place the iconic venue at the heart of major redevelopment plans for the town.

The proposal will be recommended for approval by councillors when cabinet meets on Monday, December 18.

Purchasing the leasehold will give the authority full control over the 150-year old market.

Last month, it also acquired the neighbouring Europa Buildings – home to Wilko's and Mecca Buildings and the former Laird pub.

Council leader Phil Davies said: "Birkenhead is a market town. Its success is linked to the historic, bustling market – a place which has attracted shoppers and visitors from across the region.

"The Council recognises 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 leasehold acquisition will stabilise the immediate future of the market, provide support for existing traders, and allow us to start planning for what the new Birkenhead Market will be."

Cllr Davies continued: "Our plans for Birkenhead are central to the economic growth and fortunes of Wirral.

“Modern markets like Altrincham and Borough Market in London are thriving.

"World-class markets like those in Madrid, Lisbon and Rotterdam have even become tourism and leisure destinations in their own right.

"We have a vision of Birkenhead Market as a leading regional food and fresh produce market.

"We want to see a market, core to a regenerated Birkenhead, which attracts shoppers from across the borough, the region and beyond."

Wirral Council’s ambitious growth plans are well underway. Council is expected to complete the selection competition for a joint venture partner for Wirral Growth Company in early 2018, when the £1bn regeneration opportunity in Wirral will begin.

Cllr Davies said: "Driving economic growth – creating jobs, providing training and improving the commercial, retail and residential offer across the borough - is central to everything we are aiming to do in Wirral."