An artist's impression of how the transformed Southport Market will look

The transformation of Southport Market into a new food, drink and events hub will spark the town’s ‘Market Quarter’ into life and attract new businesses. 

Plans to invest £1.4million in the refurbishment, reconfiguration and improvement of the Market Hall will be decided at the Sefton Council Cabinet meeting this Thursday (September 3). 

The facility has already attracted the stylish street food operator Paulo No Mercado, which opened last month, while long-established Southport family butchers Blackhurst’s is also set to be involved. 

A competitive tender process aims to secure a bar operator for the centre of the market, joined by eight food concessions. There would be an external terrace area at the front, a small children’s play area inside and an events space to the rear of the building. 

Once up and running it is hoped that the new facility, similar to the likes of Altrincham Market or Duke Street Market in Liverpool, would help to enhance the likes of King Street, Market Street and Princes Street. 

In his report to Cabinet, Sefton Head of Economic Growth & Housing Stuart Barnes said: “The project will deliver a revitalised market hall with a shift in focus to more food and drink while still retaining a flexible space to hold markets and other temporary events to meet changing consumer demands.

Paulo No Mercado restaurant at Southport Market. Photo by Andrew Brown Media

Paulo No Mercado restaurant at Southport Market. Photo by Andrew Brown Media

“The project should then enable further development within an enhanced Market Quarter that will attract creative and culture industries.”

Sefton Council says that unless urgent changes are made to Southport Market, it could face closure as early as April next year. 

Since its refurbishment in 2012 The Market Hall occupancy rates have never reached the 90% target level, though there was a notable improvement when management of the market passed back to Sefton Council in 2015. 

Occupancy largely remained around 70%, but more recently this has dropped below 20% as shopping habits have changed. 

Research has shown that, nationally, there has been a marked decline in the number of mixed goods markets, which could accelerate unless intervention is made. Further reducing rents in the market would make it unsustainable. 

If the food and drink plans prove successful, then it is estimated that Sefton Council will generate a £101,000 profit by the third year of operation. 

The market currently runs at an operating loss of £130,000 per year, based on the June 2020/21 forecast. 

The £1.4million refurbishment will be financed through £900,000 of Southport Town deal funding plus £500,000 from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. 

Stuart Barnes wrote: “National research combined with the current operations and desktop research has highlighted the continued decline of mixed goods markets, especially those the size of Southport.

“There is a continuing trend of more food and drink markets combined with high quality produce and flexible space, this trend continues to increase as residents and visitors continue to demand a more experience led approach.” 

The project aims to: open up opportunities for new business start-ups and growth of already established businesses; create new jobs within the food units and bar operations; contribute to the vitality and viability of the town centre; and act as a catalyst for the regeneration of The Market Quarter. 

‘Mothballing’ the Market could lead to the further decline of the area. 

There are several town centre regeneration initiatives that will have strong linkages to the Market proposal.

Southport has been included in the newly announced Southport Town Deal, which will see the town able to secure up to £25 million.

The Market and the surrounding area will form a critical part of a new masterplan for the Town that will be completed as part of the Town Deal submission.

The market will also complement other active regeneration initiatives such as the Southport Townscape Heritage scheme, its primary aim to protect and enhance the historic environment.

Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com

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