The business which designed the stunning transformation of Southport Market into “something big, bold and beautiful” has won an Awards for Best Commercial Scheme at the 2023 Sefton Design Awards.
DV8 Designs, based in Warrington, was delighted to take home the accolade at an event which celebrates outstanding architecture, urban planning, and building projects which have been created across the Sefton over the past 10 years.
The glittering event was held at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport.
DV8 Designs was also a Finalist in two other categories: Best Heritage Scheme and Best Public Building Scheme.
A spokesperson for the firm said: “DV8 Designs was appointed to help transform and re-imagine Southport Market – a 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.
“Drawing inspiration from the European culture of social eating and drinking, the team created 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 and DV8 Designs was honoured to be nominated for this prestigious award.
“Congratulations to lead designer Rebecca and the team for delivering an amazing project in Southport Market.”
The first birthday celebrations at Southport Market. Photo by Mark Shirley
Southport Market was converted 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 took place at The Grand in Southport on Friday 20th October 2023.
Winners were announced in 11 categories:
- 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
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.”
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrownn@gmail.com
