Work starts on Southport Market revamp
A £1.4m redesign and refurbishment of the town centre market is to commence on Monday, to create a modern dining and events space.
Completion of the project, designed by Warrington-based studio DV8 Designs, is scheduled to complete early next year and the new-look Southport Market will open in the spring, according to Sefton Council.
Once a busy trading hall, the marketplace on King Street is currently underused with rows of unused units. Under the plans, approved this summer as part of Sefton’s 50-year vision to regenerate Southport, the market will be renovated to create a modern food and drinks space with space for up to 10 food traders, along with a flexible events and market area.
The market will also include units for fresh produce stalls, including the popular Blackhurst Butchers, which has been trading in the market for more than 20 years and will be moving into a newly designed unit.
The project is expected to serve as a catalyst for the regeneration of Southport and the surrounding area and boost the local economy.
Sefton secured £500,000 from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to help finance the scheme, and Southport’s £900,000 of Town Deal acceleration funding is covering the rest.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “Work on this exciting project has finally started, which is fantastic, as we know just how much of an important asset Southport Market is to the town.
“This project is a cornerstone of the Southport Town Deal, but we’ve also managed to secure additional external funding to completely transform the building, which shows real commitment from Sefton Council.
“Already a number of new food and drink traders have signed up to be a part of the new Southport Market, creating new job opportunities and business start-ups, and demonstrating a real confidence in the scheme.”
Another proposal to revitalise the Merseyside coastal town was unveiled this week – the £40m Southport Cove, a 250-metre beach and surf resort with hotel accommodation, restaurants and a spa.
Sefton Council said on Monday it had struck a deal with Go Surf for the UK-based surf pool developer to operate the scheme.
I don’t like the idea of this, I love going to the Market to see Burny, one of the sellers so I’m wondering if I would be able to see her
By Amy mills-ingram
Good idea in theory but it will never be busy due to vicious parking wardens and no Free parking many previous stall holders have failed to attract footfall for many years
By Wayne newton
Please try and provide correct facts. Yesterday you said that all traders were staying. Well 1 was asked to leave by Friday 30th October and 3 more been told to leave soon. You mentioned the Butcher having 20 years or more tradind, well one lady has been there over 40 years. Get it right.
By Mr T Mather
waste of dough
By Anonymous
It’s great to see these markets modernise. One of the biggest problems with markets in the north of England is that they often focus on stuff that is generally bought online, such as iphone cases etc, and market attendances are falling rapidly.The best products in a market are foods. This can be seen across the UK and in Europe where markets have switched to a focus on fresh food, ingredients or dining.
This shift is especially needed in the NW, where we have lost almost all of our small, independent food stores, mongers and delis to bland supermarkets. The range of food in the UK has shrunk over the years and a recent survey showed the country has the lowest selection in the entire developed world. Markets that concentrate on food help support our local community as well as local farmers and producers, as well a providing an amazing selection of food that is often impossible to get elsewhere.
By EOD