Southport Market could soon benefit from new improvements including two new bars, an ‘improved coffee offer’, an ordering app and new seating areas.
One new bar could be created inside the ‘Extravaganza’ events space to the rear of the Market, with another new bar at the entrance.
A new stage would also help to further grow the Market’s success events programme, which has seen income grow by an impressive 128% in the past year.
Ambitious public realm work is due to start early in 2025 which would see the pedestrianisation of Market Street and wider pavements along King Street, making it one-way.
The work, part of Sefton Council’s ‘Les Transformations de Southport’ initiative, would enable regular outdoor markets to take place.
Southport Market was repurposed by the council into a vibrant new food, drink and events space in a £1.4 million scheme and opened in July 2021.
It was founded through £900,000 Southport Town Deal funding with a further £500,000 through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
A report by Sefton Council said: “Additional investment in the Market is being considered such as an events bar in the back space to maximise spend, improved coffee offer and entrance bar, new and improved stage, ordering app and new seating areas.
“These continuous improvements will be sustained on an ongoing basis as the venue works to continue to drive footfall and deliver a positive customer experience and repeat business. “Justification for any such additional investment will be included within the next business plan and any capital and revenue implications would be subject to a separate decision in line with the Financial Procedure Rules.
“As part of the new business plan an extensive review by an independent hospitality expert is taking place, the review will look at the full operation including trader menus and sales, market operation including staff training and welcome, capital investments, events and marketing.”
Southport Market is home to several local businesses: Hector’s Mexicana; 600 Degrees; Down And Oot; Pitamu; Cake Corner; Pasta 51 Express; Roll & Bowl; Lenny’s; Blackhurst Butcher’s; the Market Bar; and two spaces used for pop-up stalls and vendors.
Rents are based on the turnover achieved by each business, allowing start-up businesses to grow and develop with the council raising more income the more successful they become.
Market traders such as 600 Degrees and Cake Corner have developed so successfully within Southport Market that they have expanded by opening new sites elsewhere, creating new jobs and further boosting the local economy.
Southport Market has also acted as a catalyst for the regeneration of the surrounding ‘Market Quarter’ area, which has seen the opening of new local independent businesses such as Season Coffee, Bar and Kitchen; Connolly’s Irish pub; Eva’s Sewing Room; Southport Market Blinds; The Plant Room; Crystals and Crowns; Lectric Eye; and more, while Quicksilver Music has moved into larger premises.
Southport Market Quarter will be transformed in the New Year in a bid to attract more visitors and more local businesses.
The £2.5 million scheme will include the pedestrianisation of a section of Market Street, which will allow more space for shops and cafes there to utilise the outdoor space for external seating and events.
King Street will become a one-way street with the pavements widened in order to create a more inviting experience for families.
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