By Sophie Swain
Businesses in Southport have reacted to the Market Quarter transformation which is due to begin in January.
The scheme will take an estimated nine months to complete and aims to attract even more visitors to the fast-growing area.
Part of ‘Le Transformations De Southport’, it aims to create a more pleasant shopping, dining and event experience, seeing the pedestrianisation of Market Street, alongside the side of Southport Market.
King Street will become a one-way street with wide pavements, again to attract more people into the area.
Local businesses are due to remain open while the work is taking place. The proposed closure and revocation on Market Street and King Street is due to start on 6th January 2025 and be in place until 30th September 2025.
Tracy Jones, owner of The Plant Room on Market Street, expressed that the transformation has been ‘a long time coming’ although she remains a bit apprehensive.
She said: “Quite a few of my customers discussing it with me positively and most are of the opinion that they hope it helps us.
“I think we are all looking forward to the street getting a makeover, it’s quite neglected and shabby at present.
“We are all a bit apprehensive but optimistic that it hopefully will increase footfall to the quarter, and be a lovely space to spend time in.
“My only reservation is perhaps if it’s not signposted that there are shops in the Market Quarter we will still be in the ‘centre of town’, but at the same time, miles away from the shopping central part of town as a retail destination. Independent traders here are understandably a bit concerned about the upheaval of it all, and whether our thin on-the-ground footfall will shrink further during the work with pavements up and all the noise.
“Unfortunately as small business owners, I’m not sure any of us could take any further drop in revenue.”
Michelle Caswell, owner of Season Coffee, Bar & Kitchen on King Street also has similar thoughts to Tracy.
She said: “I am looking forward to the transformation if it brings more business to The Market Quarter, however, we are all a little worried that the works will affect business, with the noise, dust and obstruction, especially with it going on for 9 months.
“Fingers crossed all will be good.”
You can read more about the transformation here: https://standupforsouthport.com/southport-market-quarter-transformation-to-begin-in-january-to-attract-more-visitors/.
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