Resolved (7:4) – That

1.  The Princes Pavement option to deliver a new market for Birkenhead, which will require remodelling, refurbishment and fit out of the interior and some changes toits external façade and outside areas be approved;

2. That the Director of Regeneration and Place be authorised to:

a.  notify Wirral Growth Company LLP that it does not wish to proceed with the development of the House of Fraser site pursuant to the relevant Development Service agreements that have been entered into between the Council and Wirral Growth Company LLP;

b.   allocate up to a maximum of £13.7m towards the costs of the delivery of the new market;

c.  Using an appropriate procurement pathway:

  i.  procure and appoint a design team to complete the design for the new market;

  ii.  place the physical works to deliver the new market out to tender; and

  iii.  let the contact to deliver the works to remodel, refurbish and fitout the interior of the new market and make changes to its external façade and outside areas as required to deliver the scheme;

d.  Progress any applications for planning, building control or highways approval that may be required to progress the new market scheme;

e.  Undertake a consultation exercise with the public to inform final design / integrate feedback into the development of the design for the new market;

f.  On completion of the new market, progress with the decant of the old market; and

3.  That in taking forward the proposal for the market, it be endorsed that the Council shall work in close collaboration with key stakeholders, as appropriate, as part of a partnership-based approach. This will include other events and activities related to the market in collaboration with stakeholders, including market traders as part of the delivery of the scheme.