Proposals to improve the Market Quarter of Southport, which would allow new events to take place and businesses to expand outdoors, could take place early next year.
The scheme would include pedestrianising most of Market Street and making King Street one-way, widening the pavements and introducing attractive new trees and planters.
This project proposes changes to the streets around Southport Market, providing more public space and restricting traffic, so that more people can enjoy the market and its surroundings.
It aims to create opportunities for new and existing businesses to develop and to expand in that area.
Sefton Council is now inviting businesses to a drop-in session at Southport Market, where the proposals for Phase 1 of ‘Les Transformation de Southport’ will be presented.
The session will present the opportunity to learn more about the plans, ask questions, and raise any points or concerns.
It takes place on Wednesday 2nd November between 4pm and 8pm.
The measures aim to support the growing success of Southport Market, which was transformed into a vibrant new food, drink and events venue in July last year. The scheme was completed through a £1.4million project led by Sefton Council and supported by £900,000 funding from the Government’s Town Deal scheme and £500,000 from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
In a report to councillors next week, Sefton Council Executive Director Stephen Watson said: “A series of measures have been put in place to drive footfall such as regular events, new events, targeted marketing and ensuring that The Market remains a focal destination.
“Also as part of The Southport Town Deal Market Street and King Street will see an enhanced public realm, this will allow The Market Quarter to be better connected to the Town Centre.
“On Market Street the works will allow not only the Market but other businesses to expand onto the public realm while also allowing further outdoor events to take place.
“These works are expected to take place early 2023.
“Alongside the continued proactive focus on driving footfall and therefore revenues, the council will continue to work collaboratively with operating partners to ensure continued shared success in an increasingly competitive environment.
“There must be no complacency in respect of customer footfall, customer experience, etc, and there will be focus on ensuring continued quality and value, and a programme of events that supports customer footfall.
“We will also commission a third-party review of the hospitality sector, given its importance to Sefton’s economy, including focus on key current and future projects in the sector (including but not limited to Southport Market).”
Southport Market celebrated its first birthday in July since its £1.4million transformation by Sefton Council into a new food, drink and events venue.
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 also underway to redevelop the former Coronation pub and the former McDonald’s site into a new German Doner Kebab outlet creating 30 new jobs.
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