A £1.4m transformation of the Victorian Merseyside market is almost complete with its 10 food and drink units ready to welcome customers in the summer. Tony McDonough reports

Southport’s new-look market is on track to open this summer following a £1.4m transformation.

Sefton Council and its partners on the project are putting finishing touches to the venue which will see 10 new locally based food units and a feature bar installed. This will also be a flexible events area.

In the run up to Tourism Week 2021, the latest behind the scenes images have been revealed showing the work by project contractors Medlock to change the interior of the Victorian building.

External funding from The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Southport Town Deal acceleration fund has been secured making the scheme possible. It will also include a Changing Places space which is a fully accessible toilet and changing facility for people with disability needs.

In 2019, Sefton Council opened a four-week public consultation into the future of the market after it unveiled plans to reinvigorate the facility, which dates back to 1857, and restore it to its former glory.

Cllr Ian Maher, leader of the council, said: “It is incredible to see all our hard work nearing completion and I cannot wait to see the Market open for everyone to enjoy. Southport Market is an iconic location and one of considerable historic importance to the resort, which is why we have ensured the space is brimming with local touches and influences.

“Our amazing tourism team have been hard at work with The Atkinson to source old images of Southport to be used throughout the market, as well as local sign writer Graham Booth to design some of the internal signage.

“Sefton’s tourism offer is incredibly diverse, exciting and vibrant and this Tourism Week is more important than ever before to showcase how vital a role tourism will play in our economic recovery following the pandemic.”

Once complete it is hoped the revitalised market will act as an enabler for Southport, and forms early plans of a regeneration programme for the town following the success of the £37.5 Southport Town Deal bid.