Due to open by the autumn, the Woodside Ferry Village will be located within the Woodside Mersey Ferry terminal and will initially offer 12 concession stands to local independents. Tony McDonough reports
A new food village is to open on Wirral waterfront – inspired by the success of Baltic Market in Liverpool.
Due to open by the autumn of this year, the Woodside Ferry Village will be located within the Woodside Mersey Ferry terminal and will initially offer 12 concession stands run by pop-up local independent traders and retailers.
The plan has been unveiled by Woodside Area Community Interest Company (WACIC) and promises “a world of culinary wealth under one roof” and will also incorporate a series of cultural, music and arts events.
Baltic Market has proved a huge success in Liverpool and similar facilities have also taken off in locations such as Lisbon, Barcelona, Brixton and Altrincham.
A spokesperson for WACIC said: “Wirral has enjoyed a fantastic period of growth whereby it has firmly established itself as a destination in the North West.
“Through the introduction of the Woodside Ferry Village we look forward to creating a concept that will offer both our community and visitors alike the opportunity to experience the diversity and welcoming atmosphere that Wirral is so renowned for.
“What we will offer will be totally unique enabling a real focus on the community element – we look to provide a platform for traders within our area so they can showcase what they do best to a much wider audience.
“As part of the Woodside Ferry Village concept, vendors will be trading from 12 initial concession spaces with plans to expand the available opportunities over the coming months.
“Our visitors can expect a fully immersive experience with a rich, diversity of cuisines to sample, coupled with a calendar of events and activities – from cultural, music and art events to social initiatives.”
Birkenhead’s BID and Wirral Council leader Phil Davies are backing the idea. Head of the BID, Gemma Nichols, said: “This project is both exciting and adventurous and promises the boost Birkenhead needs to attract new business and visitor footfall, both key objectives of the Birkenhead Business Improvement District. BID will support this plan and will work closely with the WACIC in turning this new vision into reality.”