Dating back to 1822, St John’s is one of the oldest indoor markets in the country and the radical makeover will see the market grow by a third from 90 to approximately 120 stalls. Tony McDonough reports.

Liverpool’s St John’s Market will reopen next month after undergoing a £2.5m transformation.

Dating back to 1822, St John’s is one of the oldest indoor markets in the country.

The radical makeover, which began in June, will see the market grow by a third from 90 to approximately 120 stalls.

There will also be a new event space, its first welcome desk and team and free wi-fi.

Liverpool City Council, which has overseen the works and recently bought back control of all city markets in a £1 deal, has announced that the market will re-open for business on Monday, November 14.

Its opening will coincide with the the completion of a £3.5m upgrade by the city council to the public realm surrounding the market, in and around Clayton Square, including a tree lined walkway.

The new St John’s Market, which will be home to a purpose built food court, will also include flexible space for temporary events and speciality markets, new seating areas – with capacity for 200 people – and new public toilets.

The facility, which last had a refit in 1971 and was reopened by The Queen, will also be staffed by with an information desk for the first time in its history.

St John’s Market Traders Association is creating a brand new website and social media platforms for the public to provide feedback and to get to know the traders.

And a series of unique events will be held within the market in the run up to Christmas to showcase the new look surroundings.

Councillor Malcom Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “St John’s Market has been totally transformed – people will simply not recognise the place.

“But the changes are not just physical, a lot of time and planning is going into how the market is animated and promoted and, critically, how the customer experience is improved.

“The Traders Association have a key role to play in making St John’s a warm, welcoming and friendly shopping environment and I know they are aiming to set the bar very high.”