URL: https://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=6368

Decision Maker: Chief Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Chief Executive has approved that:    1.  Bloom Procurement Services Limited be directly awarded a contract via the NEPRO3 Framework which is a fully compliant procurement framework which assists the UK public sector to buy and manage specialist professional services from a choice of regional and national suppliers. Bloom Procurement Services are the UK’s exclusive operator of the NEPRO solution, on behalf of NEPO (the North East Procurement Organisation) – 20 categories are available through the NEPRO3 solution – this appointment relates to Construction, Design and Engineering and with a cost of £375,418 for the purpose of developing detailed design proposals for the creation of a permanent outdoor market square within Central Birkenhead with covered stalls, public realm improvements and flexible space capable of accommodating a range of market and event activities.    2.  The services be delivered by Planit I.E. Limited as sub- contractor to Bloom Procurement Services Limited with an associated collateral contract in favour of the Council.   On 18 November 2025, the Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee resolved to approve, in principle, a phased approach to the future of Birkenhead Market, including:    Phase 1: the relocation of market traders into refurbished units within Birkenhead Town Centre and the demolition of the existing market building; and    Phase 2: the development of proposals for the creation of a permanent outdoor market square with covered stalls, public realm improvements and flexible space capable of accommodating a range of market and event activities.    The Committee further resolved that additional work should be undertaken to develop proposals for Phase 2 and that a further report should be brought to Committee regarding the future use and design of the land vacated by the current market site.    The appointment of a Multi-Disciplined Design Team is required to develop proposals for Phase 2.    The appointment will provide specialist expertise needed to develop and assess Phase 2 proposals for the Birkenhead Market site.    The appointment will enable the Council to develop a comprehensive vision and design for a new market square and public realm space, establish deliverability and cost parameters, undertake stakeholder engagement and prepare a future decision-making report for Members.    The scheme is funded by the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government Local Regeneration Fund.    The commission will support the Council's wider regeneration ambitions for Birkenhead Town Centre and ensure proposals align with the objectives of the Birkenhead 2040 Framework. An alternative option would be for the Council to seek to develop Phase 2 proposals solely through existing internal resources. This option is not recommended because the work requires specialist expertise due to the breadth and complexity of the commission.  The decision has been taken under Part 3 Section C - Overview and Scheme of Delegations of Authority to Officers as the decision is not reserved to a Committee or Sub-Committee and the Director is satisfied that paragraphs 2(a) to 2(c) apply.   Background Papers   Economy Regeneration and Housing Committee 18 November 2023    Policy and Resources Committee 10 September 2025   

Date of Decision: September 16, 2026