New Southport Market is ‘a modern market, fit for the modern age’ after £1.4m transformation

The brand new Southport Market is “a modern market, fit for the modern age”. 

Southport’s newest attraction officially opens its doors at 10am this Thursday (22nd July) following a £1.4million transformation with work taking place over the past few months. 

It has seen the creation of around 100 new jobs and will lead the regeneration of the ‘Market Quarter’ area of town. 

Visitors can enjoy delicious dishes from around the world through ten food stalls, in addition to a feature bar and drinks space. 

They can tuck into dishes including Greek street food; Canadian poutine; Mexican burritos; British pie and mash, tasty desserts; and much more besides. 

The new facility follows the huge success of similar markets across the North West, including Altrincham Market, Baltic Market in Liverpool and Mackie Mayor in Manchester. 

The scheme has been led by Sefton Council, supported by funding through the Southport Town deal and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. 

Sefton Council Tourism Service Manager Mark Catherall said: “We are really excited. We can’t wait for people in Southport to come and experience it, and for the market to become an important part of the town. 

“This development brings high quality units, great food and drink into a modern market which is fit for the modern age.

“Southport should be proud to have something of this quality. 

“This Thursday, people can come in, wander around, take your time, look at all the menus, and take your pick from an amazing choice of food! 

“You can enjoy wood fired pizza, pie and mash, Greek street food, or grab a drink at the bar and enjoy the experience. 

“The Market can change through the seasons. In summer we can have outdoor seating, giving a real vibrancy to the whole area.

“Come down over the next few weeks and enjoy it, and keep coming back. 

“I think local residents and visitors will really love it.”

The £1.4million scheme, which is a key enabler and an early part of Sefton Council’s Covid-19 recovery plan for Southport, is also supported by a flexible events area able to host high-quality pop-up markets along with other events.

Building work was carried out by Medlock, interior design work was completed by DV8 Designs while gates and railing were created by Southport firm SC Wrought Iron Design. 

The full list of confirmed traders is:

Blackhurst Butchers

600 degrees (Pizzas, Italian)

Hector’s Mexicana (Mexican street food)

Pacific By Vincent (Pacific Rim inspired foods)

Down and Oot (Canadian steaks, poutine, hot sandwiches)

King St. Bakery (Portuguese tarts)

Messy Moments (Desserts)

Birkdale Pie & Mash (Assorted pies)

Allotment – (American Burgers et al)

Pitamu (Greek & Mediterranean)

An incredible feature bar, described as the centrepiece of the new Southport Market crown, will be managed by the Mikhail Leisure group, famous for the successful Bold Hotel, Punch Tarmey’s and much more.

Mark Catherall said: “It has taken a real team effort to get here. 

“We have secured around 100 jobs through Southport Market. We have 10 food units and a bar area, each employing between five and 10 people each directly. 

“There are a lot of traders here who local people will know well. 

“We have used a real mix of local people and businesses getting the market ready for opening too. 

“We have used Southport firm SC Wrought Iron to create the gates around the market for example, and they have done a superb job. Owner Steve and Jan Clayton are really proud of the work they have produced, they wanted to be able to be part of making something really good for the town. The gates are really good, the quality is exceptional. 

“Our signage here was done locally, and our building firm, Medlock, used a lot of local sub-contractors.”

The idea for the market has been a long time in the making – but the wait has now paid off. 

Mark Catherall said: “Two and a half years ago, we had the vision and the concept but it took a while for people to really buy into it.

“A lot of people weren’t convinced that we were going to do this. 

“But this isn’t just Sefton Council doing this market. It is the council in partnership with the traders here, which is why it works so well. 

“Between us we have some tremendous drive and passion to really make this succeed, and everybody is working together. 

“There is a real sense of community in here.”

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