Southport Market will be the place to be this Summer, says the firm carrying out the building work on the exciting project.
Medlock began their construction work on the historic building on 1 February in a £1.4million project which is due to last around 12 weeks.
The ambition Sefton Council project aims to transform Southport Market into a brand new food, drink and events hub which will help to then reinvigorate the ‘Market Quarter’ area of Southport.
A total of £900,000 funding for the scheme has come through the Government’s Southport Town Deal, with an additional £500,000 from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
A Medlock spokesperson said: “For 12 weeks, we’ll be working alongside Warrington Architecture and interior design specialist DV8 to transform the historic Southport Market for Sefton Council, delivering a full new remodelling and fit-out.
“From drainage runs and new floor finishes to a children’s play area, this exciting project will give us lots to sink our teeth into.
“We’ll be refurbishing the existing market to create a new food hall and plenty of extra space, rejuvenating this beautiful social hub.
“While there’s a range of exciting new features to add, we’ll be retaining some existing features, such as the resin flooring and toilets, with some repairs to bring them up to the same level as the rest of the market.”
Medlock, based in Oldham, was founded in 2007. The firm has grown to become a specialist fit-out, refurbishment, and new-build contractor with its own bespoke joinery manufacturing facility. Medlock operates throughout the UK, carrying out projects of varying size and complexity.
Creating a vibrant new good, drink and events offer at Southport Market is the firm’s latest challenge.
The Southport Market development will see 10 new food units and a feature bar installed.
This will be supported by a flexible events space able to host high-quality markets along with other events.
Blackhurst Butchers, which has been in Southport Market for nearly half a century, has recently moved into its new home in a new unit right at the front of the building and remains open as building work continues.
Read More: Blackhurst Butchers delighted to move into new home at front of Southport Market
Medlock said: “New acoustic walls plus a multi-functional space and stage will be perfect for live entertainment. New feature lighting throughout the venue will turn the spotlight on special guests when needed.
“Behind the scenes, we’ll also be adding some cold rooms and walk-in fridges.
“The children’s play area will be a fun zone for the little ones while the adults enjoy some hospitality.
“We’ll also be installing new awnings, a mezzanine area, and seating terraces for the hall which we’re sure will be packed with locals and visitors alike.
“And that’s still not all: there’ll be a new glazed lobby, sliding doors, glazed frontages, decorative columns, and new cask and keg cellars in the basement. It’s a lot of work, but we can’t wait.
“We’re excited to be working on such a huge project for Sefton Council and eager to get the market up and running for a great start to the summer.”
Southport MP Damien Moore said: “It is exciting to see that there is a new lease of life for Southport Market. When it opens it is going to be really vibrant and exciting. The rejuvenation of Southport starts here.
“This development has been made possible partly through £900,000 in Southport Town Deal Acceleration Grant funding through the Government, which is continuing to invest in Southport.”
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “We know just how much of an important asset Southport Market is to the town, which is why this project is such a cornerstone of the Southport Town Deal.
“But we have also managed to secure additional external funding to completely transform the building, which shows real commitment from Sefton Council.
“I’m thrilled that a number of new food and drink traders have already signed up to be a part of the new Southport Market, demonstrating a real confidence in the scheme.
“This will see a number of new local businesses established, creating substantial new job opportunities in the hospitality industry which, as we know, has been hit so hard over the last 12 months.
“The new flexible events space will also create many opportunities for individuals or local businesses to trade again demonstrating that Sefton is not only business friendly but open for business.”
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