By Andrew Brown Srtand Up For Southport
People are being invited to explore Southport’s Market Quarter to see everything the area has to offer.
The quarter is full of unique local, independent businesses, with several new arrivals in recent months.
They have come together to set up a new Southport Market Quarter Community Facebook page which they are keen for people to follow.
The area was boosted two years ago with the opening of the new-look Southport Market food, drink, and events venue, following its £1.4 million transformation by Sefton Council.
The market features several local traders offering a variety of food from around the world.
Michelle Caswell, who owns Season Coffee, Bar and Kitchen on King Street, Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Michelle Caswell, who owns Season Coffee, Bar and Kitchen on King Street, said:
“I decided to set up a Facebook page to really champion the Southport Market Quarter area and to shout about all the hidden gems we have here!
“We are keen to celebrate the community we have and would love to see more people come and discover what’s on offer.
“Businesses in the Market Quarter area have been sending content to the Facebook page, to highlight what’s available.
“We’ll be running spotlights on local businesses, introducing people who have businesses here, and promoting offers and events.
“Make sure you Like our Southport Market Quarter Community Facebook page so you don’t miss out!
Southport Market Quarter. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“We have attracted over 100 followers already which we are very pleased with. We’d love to see a lot more!
“We have some fabulous well-established local businesses in this part of town.
“In the past couple of years, we have also seen some superb new ones opening too, such as Crystals and Crowns, The Plant Room, Eva’s Sewing Room, and others.
“I was inspired to set up this page and bring our Market Quarter community together by the traders on Wesley Street in Southport town centre, who call their area ‘the village in the town’.
Southport Market Quarter. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“They have a real togetherness and a sense of community that we are working hard to grow and develop in the Market Quarter too.
“It’s all about all of us coming together to support and promote each other’s businesses.
“Everyone I have spoken with seems really positive about the idea.”
The Market features several food stalls with a bar in the middle operated by local, independent business owners.
Southport Market Quarter. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Michelle said: “Some people tell me that they are put off the market because it is run by the council, but they don’t realise that inside there are lots of great independent business people from our town who are operating their outlets.
“We all get on well and we all support each other.
“We complement each other.
Southport Market Quarter. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“Season offers a different type of experience, with our cosy, friendly, chilled out vibe. We serve breakfast from 10am, while the market starts serving food from 12pm.
“Season opens Tuesday – Sunday from 10am-4pm and offers private hire for parties and events. Check out our website and socials for more info.
“It’s all about providing choice and giving people lots of reasons to visit the Market Quarter area.”
Southport Market Quarter. Dave Thornley, owner of Quicksilver Records on Market Street. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Traders are looking forward to seeing work taking place later this year by Sefton Council to make the Market Quarter area more pedestrian friendly and able to host more outdoor events.
Contractors will pedestrianise Market Street, making it easier for shoppers to use and for more outdoor seating and things going on.
King Street will become a one-way street with wider pavements and new planters introduced.
Southport Market Quarter. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
It will be the first phase of ‘Les Transformation de Southport’ scheme, which is using £2.5 million funding through Southport Town Deal.
Michelle said: “Hopefully the work will start happening soon!
“We are looking forward to seeing King Street becoming one-way with wider pavements, to encourage more people to visit, while we can place more tables and chairs outside.
“We all want to see the Market Quarter bustling with people!
Southport Market Quarter. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“When this area is revamped, it is going to look amazing, we can’t wait.
“It will allow more people to sit outside, and we will be able to hold outdoor events like the street party they held on Wesley Street recently.
“It is going to open up loads of great possibilities for us.”
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