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Southport Market

Category: Commercial
Location: Southport

Client Brief

DV8 were appointed by Sefton Borough Council to re-imagine Southport’s historic Victorian market building and deliver a masterplan and high-level evaluation of the existing site to form a multi-functional hospitality concept. In terms of its heritage background, as the site originally opened in the mid 1800’s the Victorian Market Hall has been an institution for almost 200 years. The council were eager that our design proposals retained the buildings original features as these are a proud part of Southport Markets history & character.

Objective

As shopping habits changed in the UK over the years and online shopping was on the rise, the footfall to traditional type markets began to decline & it became apparent that a repurpose of the building was needed to keep it at the heart of the community.

The new Southport Market aimed to be the cornerstone of what is being established as the Market Quarter, breathing life and vibrancy back into the area. 

Our works & assessments of the client’s specific needs lead to the creation of a multi-operator food hall concept, external hospitality areas and public events space, which plays host to a wide variety of programmed events throughout the calendar.

Approach

The vision for the redesigned venture drew on the influences of Southport’s vibrant seaside history, architecture and gardens to reinforce a strong design intent.

It was also important to draw upon successful UK and European food markets alongside a cultural model that encourages social eating and sharing new experiences. The design brings the seaside fun to the Market and is aesthetically and operationally planned to draw people in and keep them in whilst enjoying food and drink from the 10 selected independent operators and the large central feature bar. Regenerating this underused venue into an exciting, vibrant social and event space.

Outcome

Working alongside Sefton Council, DV8 Designs team have been key in helping to transform and reimagine this prime asset to help reinvigorate and regenerate the town.

Working together as a team of creatives, DV8 have designed this scheme to compliment all that is Southport, with a concept truly inspired by traditional seaside attractions. Following the £1.4m renovation, Southport Market is one of the North West’s hottest tickets for quality food and drink and currently ranks as one of the top performing Markets in the region. 

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