£1.4m Market revamp to be presented to Council Cabinet

Exciting plans to transform Southport Market into a unique food and drink offer are set to be presented to Sefton Council’s formal Cabinet next week (Thursday, September 3).

The report will recommend the incredible £1.4 million redesign and refurbishment of the town centre market site, creating a modern food and drinks space, along with a flexible events and market area.

The new look market will be an all year round attraction with space for up to eight delicious food and drinks units, providing a vital boost to the local economy and continued regeneration of Southport’s market quarter and King Street.

Units will also be available for fresh produce stalls, including the popular Blackhurst Butchers, with all traders being offered turnover rental agreements to ensure low risk to their business.

Funding for the project has already been successfully secured from both the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and the Southport Town Deal acceleration fund.

If the plans are approved by Cabinet, it is hoped work will begin on the exciting project in late 2020.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, welcomed the latest stage of the project, saying: “We know just how much of an important asset Southport Market is to the town.

“This ambitious and exciting project is a cornerstone of what the Southport Town Deal is all about and securing additional external funding to completely transform the building shows real commitment from Sefton Council.

“We fully understand the impact consumer habits and demand has on historical indoor markets and there is a clear need to ensure this impressive venue evolves into a modern and stunning food and drinks space.

“This project will create fantastic opportunities for new business start ups and job creation, and we have shown our full commitment to helping these businesses to grow by implementing a turnover rental model.

“We are extremely excited to see the project progress even further and we have been delighted at the wealth of positive feedback and support we have received from residents and businesses so far for this transformation.”

Due to an already high demand from prospective new food operators and fresh produce businesses, all potential traders should contact tourism@sefton.gov.uk to find out more information.