Birkenhead's Argyle Quarter gets a new look after £51,000 transformation

A range of businesses in Birkenhead’s creative Argyle Quarter have been given a makeover thanks to a grant scheme for shop front improvements.

The Argyle Quarter Commercial Property Improvement Grant Scheme – funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through the city region’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation – opened in September 2024, and invited businesses within the area to bid for funding.

The purpose was to help improve the look of the area while retaining heritage features and support business growth, contributing toward the ongoing regeneration of Birkenhead as a whole.

10 businesses were successful in securing funding, and work has now been completed, giving the area a fresh new look which businesses are already reaping the rewards of.

Rachael Downey from the The Lunch Bunch, said:

“It’s allowed us to have some beautiful stickers to be put on the windows, and footfall as a result of that has increased massively, there are lots of friendly new faces which has been amazing.”

Amy Butterworth, co-founder and CEO of community organisation Make It Happen Birkenhead, said the impact of the grant scheme has been significant:

“It’s not only improved the area in regard to the shop fronts, but it’s also brought us all together as local businesses and we’ve formed friendships. It’s had a profound impact on the area which is great for Birkenhead as part of the regeneration area.”

Other businesses who benefited from the scheme include children’s entertainment company Wish Upon a Party Entertainment Limited.

Ruth Rundle, the founder, said:

“We received £5,000 which has completely transformed our shop. It’s all been freshly painted, with new wood, and a brand-new front door and it just looks amazing.”

Nihat Katar, who runs the Istanbul Barber, added:

“I was very happy to get the grant for the shop renovation, this area now looks very nice.”

With many of the businesses in this area being either listed or falling within a Conservation Area, supporting the retention of historic shopfronts and encouraging high-quality design of new frontages was a key component of the programme, as well as ensuring an approach to security, lighting and signage that respects the character of the conservation area.

The shop front improvements come as local businesses in this area have also come together to launch the Argyle Independent Quarter, supported by the council and UKSPF funding. Spearheaded by Future Yard, Joy, Make CIC, Start Yard and Make It Happen, the new initiative is designed to bring the Quarter’s creative businesses together and build a thriving, entrepreneurial neighbourhood.

The group are actively looking for people who want to collaborate or start something new, helping to realise the potential of this growing creative hub in Birkenhead. A business forum is being planned, and there is also the opportunity to secure affordable space in the Argyle Independent Quarter with practical business support to help fledgling and existing companies to grow. More information on the Argyle Independent Quarter and how to get involved can be found here.

Councillor Tony Jones, Chair of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration & Housing Committee, said:

“It’s fantastic to see the tangible benefits this scheme has had for businesses in the Argyle Quarter. The difference in the shop fronts is plain to see and has really improved the overall look of the area, plus, it’s clearly already helping to generate more business and catch the attention of new customers. This combined with the launch of the Argyle Independent Quarter gives the area a real boost, making it an exciting place to be for creative, entrepreneurial small businesses.”

Cllr Mike Wharton, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade, said:

“We want our high streets to be busy and thriving places where people want to spend time. We want attractive streets with interesting and independent businesses. That’s just what we’ve been able to help happen in the Argyle Quarter. Supporting these individual businesses has enabled them to make improvements that have given a collective shot in the arm to the whole area.”