Located right on the Mersey waterfront, the new attraction will be adjacent to an existing food and drink hub and will offer flexible retail space for independent entrepreneurs and makers. Tony McDonough reports

A new independent market and artisan retail hub will open on the Mersey waterfront this spring.

Independent Market @Woodside is a collaboration between Woodside Area CIC and Independent Wirral, which champions independent businesses, and will be located on land adjacent to the Woodside Ferry Terminal in Birkenhead.

Woodside Area CIC developed the existing Woodside Ferry Village food and drink attraction inside the terminal building in 2019. The new market will offer spectacular view across to Liverpool waterfront and its opening will see the only combined, independent retail and food hub in the UK.

Opening on May 1, Independent Market @Woodside will offer flexible retail space for Wirral’s independent entrepreneurs and makers to showcase and sell their products and services.

It will be set up on land once part of the original dry dock area and will offer 20 purpose-built retail chalets, designed by Quirky Builders, a local construction company.  All materials have been built using locally sourced, reclaimed timber. There will be a nod to the original shipping crates and maritime heritage which once populated the area.

Sharon Stanton, managing director of Woodside Area CIC, said: “Our vision has been to create a vibrant space that can be used by quality, independent retailers and makers from across Wirral.

“By working together with Independent Wirral our aim is to develop a thriving retail community here at Woodside and enhance its overall pull as a major visitor attraction for the region.

“We are so excited to be able to offer this fantastic new facility through Independent Wirral, who are all about showcasing the talent we have here on the peninsula. By joining forces with Woodside Ferry Village we will create a truly ground-breaking hub.”

The Independent Market @ Woodside project has been funded through the Government’s Town Deal Accelerator Fund. It is also being supported by Wirral Council and Wirral Chamber of Commerce.

Paula Basnett, chief executive of Wirral Chamber of Commerce, added, “There are exciting times in the months ahead as we see far reaching plans taking shape in Woodside and further afield. We have a very strong community of independent businesses and we want to support their growth and provide great opportunities to maximise the advantage of our unique waterfront location.

To find out more about how to become part of the Independent Market @ Woodside or to register your interest email hello@independentwirral.co.uk