A key part of Sefton Council’s recovery plan for Southport, the £1.4m market scheme is expected to take 12 weeks to complete. Tony McDonough reports

Work is under way on the transformation of Southport Market which will see 10 new food units and a feature bar installed.

A key part of Sefton Council’s recovery plan for Southport, the £1.4m market scheme is being supported by £900,000 from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Southport Town Deal acceleration fund.

Medlock have been appointed to undertake the works, on behalf of Sefton Council, which are scheduled to take 12 weeks to complete. They have committed to a number of social value measures such as using local supply chains and sub-contractors. 

A spring/summer opening is looking well timed with the Government publishing a four-stage road map to bring the UK out of the third COVID-19 lockdown. If the data is favourable all restrictions could be lifted by June 21.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “We know just how much of an important asset Southport Market is to the town, which is why this project is such a cornerstone of the Southport Town Deal.

“But we’ve also managed to secure additional external funding to completely transform the building, which shows real commitment from Sefton Council. I’m thrilled that a number of new food and drink traders have already signed up to be a part of the new Southport Market, demonstrating a real confidence in the scheme.

“This will see a number of new local businesses established, creating substantial new job opportunities in the hospitality industry which, as we know, has been hit so hard over the last 12 months.

“The new flexible events space will also create many opportunities for individuals or local businesses to trade again demonstrating that Sefton is not only business friendly but open for business.”

It is hoped the project will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of Southport and surrounding area and will provide a vital boost to the local economy and continued regeneration of Southport’s market quarter and King Street.  The market will also include units for fresh produce stalls, creating a true market feel to the building.

Chris Addy, project director at Medlock FRB, added: “We are excited to be working alongside Warrington architecture and interior design specialist @DV8 to transform the historic Southport Market for Sefton Council.  We will be delivering a full remodelling and fit-out.

“We’ll be refurbishing the existing market to create a new food hall and plenty of extra space, rejuvenating this beautiful social hub. While there’s a range of exciting new features to add, we’ll be retaining some existing features.”

Enabling works already completed mean Blackhurst Butchers, who have been trading in the market for over 20 years, will move to a brand new, self-contained unit at the front of the market, and will continue to trade throughout the works.