With the protective fencing on Southport’s Market Street now removed, residents and visitors to the town are able to enjoy a new and improved public space this summer.

Sefton Council’s scheme to improve the area means Market Street is now pedestrianised with new outdoor seating available. The area is more accessible and better connected to the town with new greenery to be added in the Autumn during planting season.

Additional planting

Future additions to Market Street will include rain gardens, trees and moveable planters to retain access for emergency vehicles, with additional planting on King Street.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said: “Now that the fencing has come down, we can see what a huge improvement this scheme has made for Market Street, which has been opened out and transformed from a sometimes busy road to a welcoming pedestrianised public space. 

“I want to thank local businesses for their patience while the work has been going on but I’m confident they will agree it has resulted in a major upgrade making it a more attractive area where people are more likely to visit and want to stay longer.”

The scheme

The work on Market Street is part of a wider Southport town centre improvement project focused on the Market Quarter, which also covers nearby King Street and Eastbank Street. It falls within the Les Transformations de Southport scheme, which is part of the Southport Town Deal.

Still to come

On King Street, the eastern footpath is 80% complete, and road surfacing is finished. Work to install new paving and drainage on the western footpath, is due to start this month.

On the northern side of Eastbank Street, the new footpath is approaching completion and later this month, three new pedestrian crossings will be installed. Sefton Council is working with local businesses to minimise disruption caused by the work.

After the crossings are finished, works will start on the south side of Eastbank Street.

Visiting Southport

Cllr Lappin continued: “Alongside other schemes in the town, such as the Marine Lake Events Centre and the Enterprise Arcade, this work to improve the Market Quarter will support Southport’s growth and the creation of local jobs and training opportunities.

“I would urge residents to come along to the area, have a look at the developments and support the great local independents and other businesses, and visitors from further afield to come to Southport and to see how this great destination is getting even better.”

She added: “Southport is so easy to get to, with direct trains from Manchester and Liverpool from £6.50. The Market Quarter is a short, five-minute walk from the station and our beautiful seafront area just 10 minutes further.”

Find out more about the Market Quarter work and the Les Transformations de Southport scheme.