Market plans welcomed in consultation
MORE than half of people that took part in a consultation on Southport Market believe introducing more food and drink options would have a positive effect on the building.
Late last year Sefton Council ran a four-week consultation asking the views of existing traders, local businesses, residents and visitors on the vision for the renewed market space.
Hundreds of people got involved via Sefton Council’s online e-consult site and through hard copies that were available at the King Street market and other council buildings.
Ninety-one percent of respondents were Sefton residents and just under 80% of them had heard or seen the images of how the King Street market could look in the future.
While no final decisions have yet been made, the council says that it remains committed to ensuring Southport Market continues to operate and make a positive contribution to the local economy as well as becoming a key visitor destination.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour cabinet member for regeneration and skills, said: “We have said all along that we value Southport Market, but the current offer and the way it operates simply doesn’t work.
“The consultation reaffirmed this with people saying they don’t visit the facility much, highlighting the number of empty units and how it was an uninviting place to visit.
“A number of responses also identified that a change in the offer at the market would improve the look and feel of the market quarter in the town.
“People have now told us how they would like a variety of food and drink establishments at the market with 78% of respondents saying they would buy from a deli/ greengrocer/butcher that focused on local or specialised produce.
“Early plans drawn up for us last year had a flexible events space at the back of the market and our consultation found that 72% of people would visit an artisan and local food market with 64% saying they would go to a craft market as well.
“These findings have been reported back to our public consultation and engagement panel with the view of moving the project forward during our Borough of Culture year.
“Building on our former investment at the market, we believe these findings can help us move forward and help transform the building into a unique offer that will only benefit the town and the wider borough.”