Design specialist DV8 is partnering with Dawnvale Group and Sefton Council in a project to transform the market, which dates back to 1857. Tony McDonough reports
Sefton Council has launched a consultation exercise on the project to restore Southport Market to its former glory.
Design specialist DV8 is partnering with Dawnvale Group and Sefton Council in transforming the market, which dates back to 1857. The original food hall burned down soon after the opening and the present building is the second version of the design and retains its classic Victorian form.
Earlier this year, images were released charting how the King Street market could look in the future and now Sefton Council is seeking the views of existing traders, residents and visitors regarding the scheme with a four-week consultation exercise.
Hard copies of the consultation will also be available at libraries, the two One Stop Shops in Sefton and Southport Market itself. The consultation runs until October 24.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “Earlier this year we released some amazing images on what Southport Market could look like in the future and the general feedback was very positive.
“We are now taking it to the next stage through a formal consultation process gauging what existing traders, visitors and residents across the borough think about the future use of the building.
“We really value the market but sadly it has become very clear that the current set up isn’t working making trading conditions extremely difficult with occupancy levels in decline.
“Building on our former investment at the market, hopefully this consultation will guide us in the right direction to potentially transform the building into a unique offer that will only benefit the town and the wider borough.
“While nothing is set in stone, we really hope people find the time to tell us what they think and help define a new exciting chapter at the market.”
The consultation can be viewed by clicking here and to see more images and details on what the new operation could look like, click here.