First phase of Southport Market Quarter transformation is progressing well in revamp to improve area

The first phase of the Les Transformations de Southport scheme in Southport Market Quarter is well underway and progressing well.

This phase will comprise a public realm scheme to significantly improve the appearance of these streets around Southport Market, including Market Street, King Street and Eastbank Street.

The public realm scheme will include footway widening, new footway paving, new kerbing, new carriageway materials and new street furniture.

People will also be able to see tree planting with additional planted areas together with improved pedestrian crossings.

The work is being carried out by Balfour Beatty in a scheme led by Sefton Council.

You can see more details about the work on a digital screen within Southport Market.

The Balfour Beatty team has been working diligently to ensure that the quality of work delivered meets the highest standards.

These photos highlight some of the progress made and offer a glimpse of what the final product will look like.

Work has started on Eastbank Street today, with one lane currently closed.

Work to transform the Market Quarter began in January in a scheme that will take an estimated nine months to complete.

Local businesses will remain open while the work is taking place until October.

The ambitious scheme, part of ‘Le Transformations De Southport’, will see the pedestrianisation of Market Street, alongside the side of Southport Market.

The aim will be to create a more pleasant shopping, dining and event experience.

This section of the work will be prioritised, so that it is ready ahead of the busy Spring and summer season.

King Street will become a one-way street with wide pavements, again to attract more people into the area.

The scheme will be funded from the £5.265 million allocation in the 2024/5 Transportation Capital Programme for delivery of the Phase 1 Public Realm works comprising City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements and Levelling Up funding.

It follows the successful £1.4 million conversion of Southport Market by Sefton Council in 2021 into a thriving food, drink and events space.

The initiative has been a catalyst in attracting new local businesses into the Market Quarter, such as Season Coffee, Bar & Kitchen; Connolly’s Irish pub; Eva’s Sewing Room; The Plant Room; and more.

The £1.5 million Southport Enterprise Arcade creative space next to the Market Quarter, on Eastbank Street, is due to open early in 2025.

The proposed closure is due to be in place until 30th September 2025.

A Sefton Council report said: “Officers are conscious that the business environment of Southport has been difficult during the latter half of 2024 and are acutely aware that a public realm scheme does by nature cause some disruption, especially to pedestrian movements.

“The road closures will allow easier temporary pedestrian routes through and around the works creating a more inviting space for customers of the local businesses without the need to accommodate vehicles.

“During the closures pedestrian access to all business and properties will be maintained as will refuse collections and deliveries.

“Works on Market Street will be prioritised to allow the outdoor seating area of the market to be available for when the busier Spring / Summer period picks up.”