St Johns Market in Liverpool closed in March 2024 with traders owing a reported £1.7m in rent – now the city council is making the 90,000 sq ft space available for new commercial uses. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool City Council has hired agents at property consultancy Avison Young to find new commercial tenants for St Johns Market in the city centre.
In March 2024, the authority closed the market with immediate effect saying traders owed £1.7m in unpaid rent and service charges. It claimed attempts to negotiate repayment were not met with a “meaningful response” and all 43 tenancies were cancelled.
A market was first held at the location in 1822. For the past half century it has been based within the St Johns Shopping Centre, which is owned by Rivington Hark. In 2017 it was refurbished at a cost of £2m. The council leases the space from Rivington Hark.
Now it is seeking new occupiers for the 90,000 sq ft space saying it would be ideal for retail, leisure, entertainment or creative sectors. It offers accommodation across basement, ground, and mezzanine levels.
Due to the size and flexibility, it can be repurposed for a range of businesses, subject to planning. It is equipped with internal lift access, basement servicing areas, and dedicated goods lifts. Additionally, the site has access to more than 600 on-site parking spaces.
Joel Lawson, director at Avison Young, said: “St Johns Market presents a rare opportunity to repurpose a landmark city centre property in the heart of Liverpool’s retail core.
“Its scale, prominence and location – immediately adjacent to Liverpool Lime Street and Central Station – make it an exceptional opportunity for a wide variety of potential occupiers.
“We’re delighted to be supporting Liverpool City Council, working with Rivington Hark as landlord, to bring the site to market and anticipate strong interest from occupiers seeking to capitalise on high levels of footfall.”
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Cllr Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, added: “This is an incredible opportunity for something different and exciting to come to the streets of the city centre.
“Any plans submitted would be subject to planning, but Liverpool City Council is committed to revitalising this key city centre asset.”