The design team which created the eye-catching look for Southport Market has been shortlisted for three prestigious industry awards.
DV8 Designs, based in Warrington, is among firms being recognised at the 2023 Sefton Design Awards, which celebrates outstanding architecture, urban planning, and building projects which have been created across the borough over the past 10 years.
The glittering event will take place at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport on Friday 20th October.
A DV8 Designs spokesperson said:
“We have been shortlisted for not one, not two, but three Sefton Council Design Awards for our work on Southport Market:
Best Commercial Scheme
Best Heritage Scheme
Best Public Building Scheme
“DV8 Designs were appointed to help transform and re-imagine this local historic building as part of the town’s huge regeneration plans.
“Formerly a traditional indoor market, the brief was to take the classic market format and transform it into something big, bold and beautiful.
“We took inspiration from the European culture of social eating and drinking to create a thriving social food and beverage hub and event space for the local community.
“This exciting new venue now harnesses the fun, character and magic that Southport holds as a much-loved tourist destination.
“Wish us luck!”
The first birthday celebrations at Southport Market. Photo by Mark Shirley
Southport Market was transformed into a new food, drink and events space in an ambitious £1.4 million scheme led by Sefton Council and opened in July 2021.
It was one of the first two regeneration projects which came to fruition through Southport Town Deal, which saw Southport awarded £37.5 million funding from the Government.
The Market was funded through £900,000 from Southport Town Deal plus £500,000 from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
It is home to 10 local, independent food traders, all serving delicious and freshly cooked food from around the world.
The central carousel bar, operated by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure, serves local ales, cocktails, a variety of gins and hot drinks.
An Extravaganza Space hosts a wide variety of events and markets, while customers also enjoy seating outside.
Southport Market has been a huge success since it opened – it celebrated its second birthday in July this year, having served an astounding 422,300 dishes over the preceding 12 months.
The 2023 Sefton Design Awards take place at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport on Friday 20th October.
Winners will be announced in 11 categories. They are:
- Best heritage scheme
- Best small housing scheme (under 10 houses)
- Best individual new house
- Best large housing scheme (10 houses or over)
- Best conversion scheme (any use)
- Best commercial scheme
- Best home extension
- Best affordable housing scheme
- Best public building
- Best public art or public realm scheme
- Best sustainable/climate change resistant scheme
The first birthday celebrations at Southport Market. Photo by Mark Shirley
Derek McKenzie, Sefton Council’s Chief Planning Officer, said:
“The awards are an excellent opportunity for architects, designers, and builders to showcase their work and gain recognition for their achievements.
“As a local authority that champions good design, we have created the Design Awards to provide a platform for celebrating the exceptional work of architects, designers and visionaries who have contributed to the borough’s immensely varied built environment.
“This inaugural event will recognise the high standards of design in Sefton and inspire others to reach those same high standards.”
Tickets are now on sale. The black-tie event will start at 7pm and will be hosted by Radio City presenter Leanne Campbell, with music from swing singer Asa Murphy, followed by a disco until the early hours.
The cost per ticket is £60 per person or a table of 8 for £480 and can be booked at Sefton Design Awards 2023 Tickets, Fri 20 Oct 2023 at 19:00 | Eventbrite
If you have any questions regarding the event, please email design.review@sefton.gov.uk
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