Works to attract more people into the Market Quarter area of Southport and to allow more outdoor events to be held will take place this autumn.
Contractors will pedestrianise Market Street, making it easier for shoppers to use and for more outdoor seating and things going on.
King Street will become a one-way street with wider pavements and new planters introduced.
It will be the first phase of ‘Les Transformation de Southport’ scheme, which is using £2.5 million funding through Southport Town Deal.
A report by Cabinet Member Regeneration and Skills Cllr Marion Atkinson due to go before councillors next week said: “The first phase of Les Transformation de Southport transportation improvements, focussing on the area around Southport Market – Kings Street, Market Street, Eastbank Street – is progressing detailed design work with the main programme of work commencing in the autumn after the summer season to avoid disruption.”
The scheme aims to provide more public space and restrict traffic, so that “more people can enjoy the market and its surroundings, creating opportunities for new and existing businesses to develop and expand in that area.”
The area has been improving since the £1.4 million transformation of Southport Market into a new food, drink and events venue in July 2021.
The first 12 months saw 600,000 products sold and a turnover of more than £2.7million as the new facility flourished.
It also succeeded in attracting new independent local businesses, filling previously empty units in the area, such as: Season Coffee, Bar and Kitchen; The Cake Box; and Ewa’s Sewing Room. Plans are underway to redevelop the former Coronation pub.
In his report to Sefton Council last year, Assistant Director of Place (Highways and Public Protection) Peter Moore said: “The refurbishment of Southport Market has proved very successful and many people are enjoying the new facilities there.
“This project proposes changes to the streets around the Market, providing more public space and restricting traffic, so that more people can enjoy the market and its surroundings, creating opportunities for new and existing businesses to develop and expand in that area.
“It is proposed to create a traffic free section on Market Street alongside the market, providing a new street environment that will provide additional space for pedestrians.
“The traffic free section will also provide space for businesses to make use of the street environment throughout the year and scope for events to be held there.
“This will require converting the existing carriageway to a new paved surface that will provide level access for pedestrians across the full width of the street but which can still be used for service and delivery vehicles at certain times.
“In addition to formal planting, it is proposed to provide some new tree planting and seating along the street.
“New street lighting will be provided.”
One of the other Town Deal projects being planned is the Enterprise Arcade on Eastbank Street.
This will provide a new business incubator premises, focussing on the arts, creative and digital businesses emerging in the town.
Its location on Eastbank Street means that it is ideally located for access to Southport Train Station and is linked with the growing Southport Market Quarter.
It is due to open next year.
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