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iirc the roof was removed to reduce the scallies hanging around making it almost a no-go area at night. Although at the time I thought it was a backward step, it does look better being opened up.
I think there was a second go at the roof issue, when they put in more pelmets, perhaps someone can remeber better.
Wow! I remember the precinct-vaguely. More so the drain things on the pavement-they used to scare me, for some reason. Dont remember the market i dont think
pic 1 is looking from home bargains down toward m&s at the far end. pic 2 is what you had for pic 1 pic 3 is looking from m&s across the square to dixons.
Sorry, i did get my numbers mixed up, 2 is Littlewoods, not 1, quite clearly. The 1st pic is what throws me, the roof in the 2nd pic is different to the roof in the first pic, so how is it the same stretch, unless it changed halfway down?
Just a thought, could 1 be looking either uptowards Dixons, or down towards the market, in the row where Farmfoods and Mothercare is and the Job Centre was?
right if you look at pic 1 at the roof outside ashtons follow it to the end, then at the end is a darker bit going across it. then look at pic 2 at the darker bit by the toys sign thats the same dark bit then the roof changes to the other kind from there up to littlewoods
I remember the outside market. The car park was for Asda, it was a really ugly building with pillars, etc, and the flyover was just up the road. There were always kids wanting to take your trolley back for the 20p, although I was only about 10 then.
Bloody ell that brought alot of memories running back haha The roof's in grange road where removed at the end of 1989 in towards 1990's i think they where removed for health and saftey reasons not to sure but i remember them when i was a kid then all of sudden they where gone.. Then birkenhead started to go down hill theres hundreds of shops up for let and its ashame that every shop used to be occupied.... .Also in the picture of the market theres the pub i was trying to remember a while back
Just when I got used to calling Allansons Beatties I have only just realised it is now House of Fraser
2nd pic Is this part of House of Fraser or is it the front part of the cafe/restaurant whose entrance is next to the taxi place besides Beatties carpark opposite ZU/Stairways Not sure if its called the Scouse Kitchen
the one on the end i think was a building society once and many years ago i worked in the original superdrug in birkenhead which was some were along there but cant remember exactly were it was.
i worked in the original superdrug which was some were in those pics then i left superdrug and went to woolies then a couple of months later superdrug moved in and woolies halved its size.it was because both woolies and superdrug were part of the kingfisher group
who owns the market and Grange rd I wonder if records are kept of what shops were in Grange rd/Precinct and rents paid I reckon the oldest business still going is Pykes the jewellers
The smaller outfits seem to change by the month/year
Bright House, next to Pyke's was W.H.Smiths. I worked there in 1952. I bet you're right, Derek; Pyke's was there at least as early as the 1940's. Now that Woolies has gone, it's almost certainly the oldest business in Grange Rd. (Unless anyone knows any different)??
British Home Stores was next to Woollies. Both shops very similar in layout and both seemed huge to us kids. Also there, and in the same style was Marks and Spencers.
Wow amazing photos!! I do remember the roof over the Grange shopping centre and the original market, it was hard to picture it all in my head until i saw these, brought back memories of being dragged around there as a kid by my aunt kath. Thanks peeps!!
Sayers was next to the old Abbey site. Or was it Greggs... sure it was Sayers, was deffo one of em. I use Abbey for my business banking, and often used to have to go there, and used to get a munch from next to it.
Remember Stolen From Ivor, and Tandy, this was in the 80's and 90's though. There was a computer shop on Borough Road called Lion Computers that were doing well, but moved to a big shop on the same row as Tandy, but lasted months.
Great pictures, derekdwc. Can anyone remember what the T J Hughes building was before it was T J Hughes? I know there was originally an old church at that location, but I'm sure the building that replaced this church was not T J Hughes, but an earlier department store. As for the closed shops, was the one on the corner of Grange Road / Catherine Street the Halifax Building Society?
Next pics are at the Argyle st end of Grange Road I don't know what the far building was and if it was getting built or demolished in the older photo The new building is an empty block of offices available for renting This road is where the Waterloo pub is
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I went in that Alexandre the tailor two days before my wedding to get a suit. The salesman says to me " here are sir, that's your size, try that on" so i goes into the booth and comes out, my wife to be bursts out laughing and a few other people in the shop. The trousers were that tight i couldn't breath, they stopped the blood rushing to my feet and i could hardly walk, the coat was that big if my arms were a foot longer you still wouldn't have seen my hands and the shoulders were somewhere down by my elbows and the salesman said with a straight face "Do you know what sir I've never seen anyone look better in a suit". Those buggers would tell you anything for a sale.
God help us, Come yourself, Don't send Jesus, This is no place for children.
1st time I bought a suit (think it was from Hepworths) the assistant was measuring me and asked me which side I dressed on Didn't know what he meant at the time
Montague Fisher took his first steps towards the future in the late 1940s, moving the focus of his Birkenhead business from pharmaceuticals to photography. Fisher Audio Visual’s current reputation for innovation traces its roots back to this shop, where the company installed the UK’s first-ever automatic vending machine for black and white film.
Thank you kindly sir,I was trying to remember a tailors at the back Grange rd I think it would have been above where that slot machine place is,top end by the cross,all I could think of was Montague Fisher.
Thanks, Derek, for yet more pics of Grange Rd. I remember Forizo well; I bought a cactus there just after the war, about 1947/48. The firm is still in existence; they have a unit in Holborn Square. Just out of shot, next to Forizo, was Fabbri's ice cream parlour. Dunn's originally sold only hats, in the days when few men would be seen without one, if only a flat cap. They late sold other clothing & until recently they had a branch in Shrewsbury.
I can remember Fabris (or was it Olivieras) further down the Dunn block of shops On the corner of Collingwood St was a pet shop with ice cream cafe next to it
Very interesting, Derek, with all the interest in what shops were where. Haven't you got a macro mode on your camera, for close-ups? If not, better to be further back & be in focus, then enlarge it in software. I'd be really interested to see more from that directory; all of Grange Rd., both sides if you could take the trouble.
maybe but when you are trying to get a decent pic to compare to older pics they tend to get in the way I was astonished to see how big the trees in the car park by Yates are In just 30 to 40 years
I can't believe thay have turned lovely Grange Rd into that "Mall" thing. "Malls are fine if there are lots of people, but when there is not it become the home of the dero's and druggies.
Heres one for youze to ponder on! Does anyone remember the store in the early 90s-think it was where ßuperdrug is now?? A kind of department store, set on two levels. We think that the shopname was on a yellow background with black writing?
Anyone got ant pics of top end of Grange rd, by Mc D`s is. I used to manage the butchers there in late 80`s, which was pulled down after i left (not because of me!!) due to being totally unsafe!
Brilliant Chris, thats the one, but had a different frontage when i managed it. Single door to the right and a long window across the left. Great cellars down below but completely gutted above, rotten to the core and demolished in the 90`s i think, well and truely after i left! Had a load of outbuildings at the rear that the builders, who constructed Yate`s, stored their tools in. Used to have a deal with the manager of Mc D`s on a Saturday, where he gave all the staff FREE food ALL day as and when we wanted it in return for his sunday joint etc!!!!
Chris, is that next to Mc D`s now, just that i can see a door to the left of butchers, and before Mc D`s wasnt there a pub years ago?? What year was this pic mate?
The picture is from the 1947 Outline Plan book of 1947. The comment attached refers to "inappropriate development", referring to the new first floor reconstruction in the Art Deco style of the 1930's. It was just a couple of shops down the street from where McD's is now, which used to be the Grange Hotel. On the attached map, I think Dewhurst's was about No. 256 or 258. The big block, 246-230 was Robb's department store. No.220 is Woolworths. Hope that helps.
Yeah chris, was about 256 / 258 as Mc D`s takes up the otherplots on the corner, but dont remember the new build above and to the left of the shop there is a door and sign saying `Dents the Cleaners` which doesnt sound like a pub to me! Sure it wasnt further down the road and later moved up to the top end where i worked? I also worked in the one in Milton Pavement, next to where Super Cigs is!
Heres one for youze to ponder on! Does anyone remember the store in the early 90s-think it was where ßuperdrug is now?? A kind of department store, set on two levels. We think that the shopname was on a yellow background with black writing?
Anyone got ant pics of top end of Grange rd, by Mc D`s is. I used to manage the butchers there in late 80`s, which was pulled down after i left (not because of me!!) due to being totally unsafe!
I was just thinking that was Dewhursts and then there it is in the next post! I seem to remember sawdust on the floor and a red and white striped awning.
A school friend of mine lived in Collingwood Road. I remember her moving out when they were getting demolished.
Anyone remember when Boots was near the top of Grange Road, on the corner of one of the roads leading off it, by Pykes the Jewellers? It was all dark wood inside with a big, wooden staircase to get upstairs.
its the wrong direction for the crown buildings, they would be well to the left of this picture, could it be something that was knocked down to build the old tunnel approach flyover that was built and later knocked down on conway street? You can see the old post office pub to the right of it.
Tried working out on this old map where and what the white building would be. Positioning would lead me to the row of buildings ive marked on the map. Anyone know what the pub was on that corner of Hamilton St And Conway St?
Tried working out on this old map where and what the white building would be. Positioning would lead me to the row of buildings ive marked on the map. Anyone know what the pub was on that corner of Hamilton St And Conway St?
Whie building could be Chester Arms or Queens Ballroom which was near the Ritz
Hello uptoncx Could you tell me what year the photograph was taken on your reply no 337686. There is a row of cars in that picture and that's why I'm asking? Thanks
Hello uptoncx Could you tell me what year the photograph was taken on your reply no 337686. There is a row of cars in that picture and that's why I'm asking? Thanks
Thanks uptoncx In the line up of cars, it looks like the white, Ford Escourt Estate car that myself and my Husband had at that time. We would nip into town to Asda. He kept all of his work stuff in the boot, my you couldn't do that now. We were so pleased when we got this car instead of a works van. My Husband and I used to go out every Sunday with our baby and there was plenty of room for his buggy and our bags, what happy times we had.
In the early 1960’s the Birkenhead Council set the wheels in motion for the redevelopment of the existing shopping centre based on Grange Road. An imaginative and ambitious scheme, which was produced by consultants incollaboration with the Borough Engineer and Surveyor and Planning Officer and Borough Valuer and Estates Manager, was accepted in principle by the Council in February 1967.
The new precinct will completely transform the shopping centre of Birkenhead. It will consist of pedestrian pavements flanked by shop units and bigger stores, with car parks on the perimeter of the scheme.
These big units have already been let to departmental stores of national repute.
Provision has also been made in the scheme for the relocation, in a central position, of the famed Birkenhead Market. At the outset the Council decided that the benefit ofthe scheme should go entirely to the ratepayers of Birkenhead. With this in mind it undertook the development on its own account, a rare step for a local authority. Consultant Architects, Quantity Surveyors and Engineers were engaged to supervise the construction of the precinct, although they have been supplemented by a team of council officers from various departments. To assist in the financing of the scheme the Council were obliged to enter into partnership with outside financiers who are providing a proportion of the necessary capital. However, even allowing for their share, the largest proportion of the profits will go to the ratepayers.
Although there have been considerable delays in the construction of the precinct, it is hoped that the first units in Milton Pavement will be trading by the summer of 1974. It is pleasing to note that not only have local traders been anxious to take units in the scheme but the large multiple shops have recognized the potential of Birkenhead. The scheme is, therefore, already very well let.
The Policy Committee of the Council formed a sub-committee, with full delegated authority, to be responsible for the scheme and for the greater part of its existence this sub—committee has been chaired by Alderman John H.Roberts, JP, Leader of the Council.
In the early 1960’s the Birkenhead Council set the wheels in motion for the redevelopment of the existing shopping centre based on Grange Road. An imaginative and ambitious scheme, which was produced by consultants incollaboration with the Borough Engineer and Surveyor and Planning Officer and Borough Valuer and Estates Manager, was accepted in principle by the Council in February 1967.
The original idea for this redevelopment goes back much further than the 1960s. By chance, about 20 years ago, while browsing in Prenton Library, I came across a copy of a a document produced around 1943 or 1944. This was the proposal for the rebuilding of Birkenhead after the War. This document included an artist's impression of a revamped shopping area in Grange Road, including a pedestrianised area. In addition, the document proposed re-siting the Market at St. Werburgh's Square, which is remarkably close to where it was eventually built.
Does anyone remember The African Shop, a short-lived shop in one of the side roads off Grange Road (something like the 3rd road down from Charing Cross)?
Also, does anyone remember the roundabout at Charing Cross in the 60s at Christmas Time. I seem to remember there was a very impressive display on the roundabout itself.
Did anyone used to shop at Rostance's, in Oxton Road. The shop is long gone, but the building is still.
One of the funniest things I remember about the shops in the 1960s was that there was always a Hobby Shop, which specialised in American construction kits which were not widely available in other shops. However, the shop used to move round the town, and appeared on Grange Road West, Oxton Road and Borough Road. Obviously, they used to get the shops on short-term leases!
The original idea for this redevelopment goes back much further than the 1960s. By chance, about 20 years ago, while browsing in Prenton Library, I came across a copy of a a document produced around 1943 or 1944. This was the proposal for the rebuilding of Birkenhead after the War. This document included an artist's impression of a revamped shopping area in Grange Road, including a pedestrianised area. In addition, the document proposed re-siting the Market at St. Werburgh's Square, which is remarkably close to where it was eventually built.
Was it, maybe, this? (Although this doesn't show the market at St.Werburgh's Square)
I remember Pykes the Jewellers. My Husband bought my engagement ring from there in 1975 and we still have the receipt. dereckdwc the photo's you posted on reply 361125 27/10/2009. The first photo reminds me of dashing through a shortcut off Borough Road to get to work of a morning; that brings back memories.
The original idea for this redevelopment goes back much further than the 1960s. By chance, about 20 years ago, while browsing in Prenton Library, I came across a copy of a a document produced around 1943 or 1944. This was the proposal for the rebuilding of Birkenhead after the War. This document included an artist's impression of a revamped shopping area in Grange Road, including a pedestrianised area. In addition, the document proposed re-siting the Market at St. Werburgh's Square, which is remarkably close to where it was eventually built.
Was it, maybe, this? (Although this doesn't show the market at St.Werburgh's Square)
It certainly looks like the document I saw, although it seems a bit more refined. Looking at the date on the document you have (1947), it may be that what I saw were some of the proposals put forward in the preliminary draught, and some changes were made between then and the final publication in 1947. However, even according to the map above, the Market was to be sited between Claughton Road and Oliver Street, so the intention to move it was certainly around at the time.
Hi, Tom; it's quite possible that what you saw was a precursor of the 1947 plan. Any chance of you going back to the library for another look? I'd do it myself, but I don't come up often.
Hi, Tom; it's quite possible that what you saw was a precursor of the 1947 plan. Any chance of you going back to the library for another look? I'd do it myself, but I don't come up often.
I'll see what I can do, but with the recent attempts to close down the branch, I'm not sure that the document wasn't moved elsewhere.
It's intersting how a shopping centres need an injection of cash every 15 years or so. I'm sure when grange precinct was first completed in the mid 70's it was cutting edge, some 15 years later the Pyramids gets built. It feels like another development is needed for the top end of grange road as illustrated in the previously posted modern-day pics. I suppose this is what's happened recently with Liverpool One.
My grandfarther was a steel fabricator and helped build the Grange Precint. I think he was working for George Wimpey at the time who, I believe were the main contractors that undertook the work. My family has pics of him working in the shell of what is now T.J Hughes, I'll see if I can dig them out and post.
lucky to get a pic of The Famous Army Store sign as they were removing the current sign .This was the card? shop on the corner of the passageway (where Pykes is) Was there a Famous Army and Navy Store? possibly on a corner of St Werburghs' Square
I have noticed recently that there are now 3 of those cash converter type shops and a pawnshop (with the 3 balls) in the shopping centre. There's always someone who will make money in times of austerity
I'm not surprised about the cash converters, robbing gits, the scam was on "Despatches", it's legalised robbery of people in vulnerable circumstances. The pawn shops are pretty legal because you can redeem your stuff when you are straight, remember those days well.
On the subject of army navy stores. Any one remember the army navy store { with masses of surplus clothing and everything else as well] at the bottom of Dale Street by the tunnel entrance in Liverpool in the late 40s early 50s.
Last edited by jimbob; 17th Jan 201110:30pm.
Ships that pass in the night, seldom seen and soon forgoten
there was an army and navy store in st werburg square its now a book shop on the corner entrance to the market,used to get hubbys white overalls there.
Not many "genuine" army surplus shops around now. A lot of stuff is "military style" lookalike. Poor quality. As my ex will testify, my wardrobe is 90% drab olive in colour ! Maybe that's why she moved on ?
Still fairly cheap stuff to buy AND it lasts for decades !!!
The one in Cleveland St i think it was, was very good, only small but well stocked, could strip a dead Jap as you spoke. The Army stores by Lime st, Liverpool, sold a lot of ex Vietnam stuff, good yankee quality.
God help us, Come yourself, Don't send Jesus, This is no place for children.
Not specifically Army & Navy stores, but after the war there were loads of army surplus stores. I used to buy out of date photographic paper there.
Chris
Me too. Not only did I buy ex-services photographic paper and film - I still have some of it. I remember seing the packs a few years ago. I guess I bought it around 1960 and I have not made a real wet print for maybe 35 years and do not expect ever to do so again. When I next come across the stuff in a cupboard somewhere it will go in the bin
Snod
5 Precepts of Buddhism seem appropriate. Refrain from taking life. Refrain from taking that which is not given. Refrain from misconduct. Refrain from lying. Refrain from intoxicants which lead to loss of mindfulness
bookshop in St Werburghs' square closed and now showing the Famous Army Stores sign again. The old Famous Army Stores by Pykes is the Pound Bakery 3 pawn shops - doubt if you can pawn the best suit nowadays, these shops appear to be full of jewellry. Saw a lovely coin 1790s for £45 in the Gold shop Charing cross and was amazed at its size - like a 1d but 3/4 times thicker
it was call the grange hotel and i used to delvery the morning paper and liverpool echo in the evening thant was in the early 80s also did well with Christmas tips of the manger and staff and customer who drink in there. Happy Days
Jimbob I remember it well, North side of Byrom Street. Slightly dismal place which smelled strongly of denim. Used to pass by in the tram to work and bought my first jeans there. They were stiff as a board, with buttons of course, and the dye ran too easily! Bri
Trancentral,are you saying that's what the building was called or are you wondering what I'm talking about? Which is what many folk do.
It was maybe a second hand furiture 'emporium' if not the auction rooms. On about 3 floors, down by the old market and tunnel entrance. It was filthy black from when I remember it and it was on a junction so the end of the building at the junction was narrower than the other end of the building, iyswim, hence my saying it was a triangle. If I had a old map I'd explain better but unfortunately I don't.
Yes that's them They were on the left hand side just before Argyll St. Probably under the devlopent area. Or looking at a birds eye there seems to be old properties on what is Grange Road East in about the right place that may be some remnant. Obviously someone thought that they were of suffient importance to deposit their papers with the Archives. I wonder how many modern businesses would merit that ?
reading the archive there are no records after 1974 so that could be when they went
Trancentral,are you saying that's what the building was called or are you wondering what I'm talking about? Which is what many folk do.
It was maybe a second hand furiture 'emporium' if not the auction rooms. On about 3 floors, down by the old market and tunnel entrance. It was filthy black from when I remember it and it was on a junction so the end of the building at the junction was narrower than the other end of the building, iyswim, hence my saying it was a triangle. If I had a old map I'd explain better but unfortunately I don't.
Bakers, yes, thank you Pinzgauer.
if i'm thinking of the same place, it now houses Wirral Minds' Fountain Project. The rest of the block is Supported Housing.
Thanks Rudebox, I think that's right. I've just looked at Google Maps and found the building I think I meant! And yes, I can see the words Antiques Triangle on it! Wow, the area looks so different to me and I've only been away about 20 years! I think I need to come back and have a mooch around.
Anyone remember the name of the place when it was a 2nd hand place then? The letter C is ringing a bell but I might be back to Corkhills!
Thanks Rudebox, that's a hundred yards or so from where I was meaning.
If you look at the map in your link, for how to find the Wirral Mind, the place I am meaning is the triangular block just down from Wirral Mind. The more I think about it, I think it had the words Commercial Buildings painted on the stonework.
I remember when walking past Corkhill & Job's in Grange road during the middle 50s you had to keep clear of the stuff been off loaded from there lorry's and taken up the side of the wharehouse. During the 50s did any one else have a wander down the passage between no 9 & 11 Cross Street and have a good look at the backs of those building in the triangle. It was like looking way back in time even in 50s
Ships that pass in the night, seldom seen and soon forgoten
Has anyone got plans of how the new Asda will look. Saw a little sketch on the boarding surrounding but couldn't make out where car park would be - underneath? or on the roof like the previous one was? any info please
The carpark looks as though it will be where the exsiting one is. I have heard aswell that there will be a 15 minute parking period for those who go into the shops. They have a similar system in Heswall for the Tesco store. There are cameras which clock when you arrive and when you leave, as you can imagine there will be alot of people parking there to go shopping
If you look at the third picture, the car park looks elevated aswell. Perhaps your right, I didn't know that there was going to be an underground car park!
•692 car park spaces will be available which will be almost 250 more spaces than are currently available at the Claughton Road car parks . this is taken off the above linked website,so if there are going to be more parking spaces than before,even after they have biult a supermarket on approx one third of the land that was in use as a carpark then it must go underground
If you look at the third picture, the car park looks elevated aswell. Perhaps your right, I didn't know that there was going to be an underground car park!
Looking at it again the car park is entered off the main road underground and then you can drive up
The existing site consists of a series of commercial buildings situated between Grange Road, Catherine Street and Oliver Street together with three ground level public car parks. The existing site contains 440 space ‘Pay & Display’ public car parks A,B,and C.
Planning permission was granted in 2008 for an 8,800 sq.m (95,000sq.ft) retail foodstore with the associated car parking permission. The foodstore has been designed to front onto the existing Grange Road retail area with the service yard taking access from Exmouth Road and the [u]two level car parks [/u]accessed from a new signal controlled junction on Claughton Road.
In terms of car parking, a total of 692 spaces will be created with 92 spaces nearest to the town centre being managed under Council rules and tariffs with the remaining 600 spaces under ASDA’s terms.
Fantastic thread, really brought back some memories. Anyone got any pics of the old shops on Conway Street before they tore them down in about '94, when they built the baths, cinema and train station? I remember there was an old Sayers and on the corner there was a vacant/disused pet store or aquarium, can't remember which.
Also, any shots of the area of the Pyramids before it was built?
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Please do not adjust your mind, there is a slight problem with reality
i'm talking about chester street, i think
