£5 million investment to transform Great Homer Street Market

Plans to revitalise one of the city’s most iconic and historic trading spaces could get the green light later this month.

A report going to Cabinet on 15 July outlines initial plans for a major investment of up to £5 million in Great Homer Street Market – more commonly known as Greatie Market.

It forms part of a wider, ambitious regeneration programme which will unlock development opportunities, enhance placemaking and connectivity and ultimately improve communities across Liverpool North, an area spanning 5km from Greatie Market to Bootle town centre.

The improvements to the market and surrounding area will utilise the government’s Strategic Futures Panel funding and will see the much-loved market undergo a significant refurbishment and expansion, creating a modern, vibrant, and inclusive destination for traders, shoppers, and the wider community.

Key features of the regeneration include:

A full refurbishment of the existing market building, including upgrades to lighting, electrics, flooring and customer facilities.
A new extension to house additional food and beverage units, with retractable seating – making it the perfect space for community use and events.
A large external canopy to expand the market footprint, improve weather protection, and enhance the customer experience.
Improved layout and accessibility, with wider aisles and space for additional stalls.

The investment aims to boost footfall, increase the amount of time visitors spend in the market, and support local businesses by creating a more attractive and functional space for both existing and new traders.

The project also includes the demolition of nearby derelict industrial units to improve access, safety, and visibility, and to unlock future development opportunities.

If the report it approved, it will kickstart a number of actions which will progress the transformation. These include:

Procuring consultants to design the upgrade and prepare a planning application.
Procuring contractors for the demolition of disused industrial buildings located on Rachel Street, Dryden Street, and the Central Tin site. This work is subject to planning permission and budget availability.
Appoint a design and build contractor to refurbish and extend the existing building.

Procurement is expected to begin this summer (2025), with construction anticipated to start in 2026.

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:

“Greatie Market is a Liverpool institution, and this investment will secure its future for generations to come. We’re not just upgrading a building – we’re creating a destination that celebrates local enterprise, supports community life, and brings new energy to the area.

“I’m delighted that the plans have been shaped following continuous consultation with traders and local residents which we launched back in 2021 – it’s key they have their say on how they would like to see Greatie evolve and their views on areas such as more covered space and improved parking will directly influence the new designs.

“It’s an exciting time for the market and the wider community and I look forward to seeing the plans develop and start to come to life over the coming year.”

Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, said:

“The transformation of Greatie Market is a key element of the City Council’s broader Liverpool North New Town vision, and will act as a catalyst for further investment and community-led growth.

“Ultimately, the ambition is to repopulate, reconnect, and regenerate the area through housing, transport, and public realm improvements – and the impact will go far and beyond the Liverpool City boundary. The new area would act as a key landmark between the city centre and Bootle – connecting the Liverpool City Region and revitalising a large number of communities in the North.

“This is about creating a thriving, inclusive future for North Liverpool – one that honours its heritage while unlocking its full potential for generations to come.”