Avison Young appointed to fill vacant Liverpool market hall

The 90,000 sq ft former St John’s Market closed in March 2024 after the city council cancelled traders’ tenancies over unpaid rent and service charges.

Avison Young is working with leaseholder Liverpool City Council and the shopping centre’s landlord Rivington Hark to find an occupier for the space, which offers accommodation across three levels within St John’s.

Located between Liverpool Lime Street and Liverpool Central Station, any future venture could benefit from significant footfall.

Joel Lawson, director at Avison Young, said this kind of opportunity does not come along very often.

“St John’s Market presents a rare opportunity to repurpose a landmark city centre property in the heart of Liverpool’s retail core,” he said.

“Its scale, prominence and location – immediately adjacent to Liverpool Lime Street and Central Station – make it an exceptional opportunity for a wide variety of potential occupiers.”

He added: “[We] anticipate strong interest from occupiers seeking to capitalise on high levels of footfall and ongoing momentum in the city’s occupier market.”

The market has been vacant for over a year and a half following Liverpool City Council’s decision to cancel the tenancies of more than 40 traders over £1.7m of unpaid bills.

Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside earlier this year, Cllr Nick Small said that the former market would be suitable for a variety of uses, including a food hall.

Eight months on, and with no occupier yet secured, Small, who is cabinet member for growth and economy, doubled down.

“This is an incredible opportunity for something different and exciting to come to the streets of the city centre,” he said.

“Any plans submitted would be subject to planning, but Liverpool City Council is committed to revitalising this key city centre asset.

“We welcome interest from parties looking to contribute to the vibrancy and economic growth of Liverpool.”