Entire month of free parking in one area of Merseyside to boost visitors in run-up to Christmas
People will be given free parking for an entire month in a Merseyside town to encourage them to visit in the run-up to the Christmas period.
Wirral Council leader Cllr Paula Basnett said it was a chance for people to “help us rebuild confidence” in Birkenhead.
For a year and a half, works along Grange Road, Conway Street, and Europa Boulevard have dominated Birkenhead town centre causing traffic delays, disruption for businesses, and a drop in footfall. Now sections of the town centre are finished with 78% of the entire project now finished.
The entire project is expected to be done by March 9, 2026 with defects being worked through with contractors, though costs are now expected to rise to £26m. However Wirral Council has now confirmed works at the Europa Square car park are expected to be complete by November 22 providing 100 car parking spaces.
One week after on November 29, Wirral Council said Grange Road will be free of barriers. The local authority has also announced that from December 1, drivers will be able to park for free at the Pyramids and Conway Street multi-storey car parks which will continue for the whole of December.
The council is also planning a number of events to boost trade in the town centre. This includes the return of the Wirral Youth Market on December 13.
In the run up to Christmas, Wirral Council has also announced there will be a Santa’s Grotto and Elf School, a record fair, craft market, free children’s fairground rides and a visit from Disney Frozen’s Elsa, Anna and Olaf, as well as a drop-in from The Grinch.
Wirral Council leader Cllr Paula Basnett, said: “Since becoming leader, I have been determined to get Birkenhead back open and welcoming again. I promised I would have it open for Christmas and we have.
“Reopening Grange Road is an important milestone, but just as important is making it easier for people to come into the town centre. That’s why we’re offering free parking throughout December in both our Birkenhead multistorey car parks.
“I want families to be able to visit without worry, enjoy the festive events, and support the brilliant local traders who work so hard all year round. This Christmas is a chance for people to return to Birkenhead, see the difference, and help us rebuild confidence in the town centre.”