Another indoor market dating back more than a century is to be transformed into a 10,000 sq ft food and drink venue, creating 80 new jobs. Tony McDonough reports

Ormskirk is set to be the latest town to see its traditional indoor market transformed into a food and drink venue in a six-figure investment that will create 80 new jobs.

Covering 10,000 sq ft over two floors, the site on Moorgate originally opened in 1903 as the home of Hesfords DIY & Gardening. It later became an indoor market and now it is set to be transformed by Liverpool hospitality entrepreneurs Simon and Fiona Beer.

They are creating a hospitality venue across two floors. It will include a new food hall, as well as six kitchens, an immersive games loft, bar area, private hire space, retail outlets and a live music space.

It will be following in the footsteps of Southport Market which was also relaunched as a food and drinks destination in 2021. And it builds on the growing popularity of food and drink markets in Liverpool city region. Liverpool has seen multiple venues, such as Duke Street Market, and Birkenhead now has one at Woodside Ferry Terminal.

Simon Beer, whose EPIC brand is well established in Liverpool city centre, said: “We’ve been dreaming about doing this for many years. We want to reimagine this historic space with a modern concept that can thrive while emulating the success of similar sites in other UK market towns.

“Having been left abandoned for many years, we want to bring this space back to life and to what it was so well known for locally – a market building. We’ll be keeping its original features, such as the clock face, as well as some of the signage that has been here since day one.”

While contributing to the local area’s economy, Ormskirk Food & Drink Market will also create up to 80 new jobs. The team is currently on a recruitment drive for roles including the venue’s general manager.

Fiona Beer added: “Many people from this area have to travel into Liverpool if they want food, drinks, and entertainment on this scale. That will no longer be the case. Ormskirk Food & Drink Market will offer a taste of the city centre.

“The restaurants and bars that it has within it will be much closer to home. Venues such as ours will open new avenues for people on our doorstep to explore.”

In a bid to give emerging local businesses opportunities to get involved, Ormskirk Food & Drink Market is currently on the lookout for traders to take up residency. The Beers want to hear from more established restaurateurs and those up and coming in the food and drink industry.

Fiona said: “This is a real opportunity to showcase what the area has to offer, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to see just what we have been working on for so long and to enjoy what Ormskirk Food & Drink Market is all about.”