Located alongside the permanent Southport Market which is currently undergoing a £1.4m transformation, the Makers Market will take place at regular intervals starting this month. Andrew Brown reports

A new ‘Makers Market’ is to to launch in Southport with regular events taking place next to the permanent market which is currently undergoing a £1.4m transformation.

The first event will take place on Market Street, next to the new look Southport Market, on Sunday, June 6. And the news comes as it is revealed more food and drink venues are signing up to take space at the new-look market.

Victoria Crane, event manager of the Makers Market, said: “Calling all northern foodies, pie lovers, craft enthusiasts, good vibe seekers, families, shoppers, antique collectors and those on the hunt for a good day out…. do not look any further. The Makers Market is set to launch in Southport.

“With an awesome  selection of artisans who are set to inspire plus live music from local musicians you won’t be disappointed. The Makers Market is a superb opportunity to find out the origins of your food, meet the maker, feast your eyes upon some goodies and fill those shopping bags.

“We pride ourselves at the Makers Market in delivering delightful specialist events with many award winning local producers of unique goods set to inspire. We cannot wait to launch in Southport and hope you will join us for our launch on June 6.”

Sefton Council is leading the transformation of Southport Market, on the corner of King Street and Market Street, into a new food, drink and events hub. Once complete it will have 11 food and drink units supported by fresh produce from Blackhursts Butchers.

It is on course to open its doors this summer, thanks to the work of Sefton Council and partners including builders Medlock and Architect and interior designers DV8 Design, which specialises in hospitality and commercial transformations.

Money for the refurbishment is coming from £900,000 through Southport Town Deal and £500,000 from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. Family-run Blackhurst Butchers, which has been in the market for nearly 50 years, recently moved to its new unit at the front of the market. They will be joined by:

• 600 Degrees (wood-fired speciality pizza)
• Allotment (big American burgers and loaded fries)
• Hectors Mexicana (the freshest Mexican street food)
• Down and Oot (sizzling Canadian premium steaks and poutine)
• King St. Bakery (iconic Portuguese tarts from Lisbon, plus tasty treats from across the UK)
• Messy Moments (freshly-made crêpes or waffles with a variety of toppings)
• Birkdale Pie & Mash (delicious home-made pies with a variety of fresh fillings)