Nearly £1m invested into Liverpool’s Markets following consultation

Nearly £1 million is to be invested in Liverpool’s markets following a public consultation to shape the future of the service.

As part of Liverpool City Council’s improvement journey to reach out and listen to residents, in October 2021 we shone the spotlight on the city’s markets offer.

Members of the public were asked ‘why they do or don’t visit markets’. Market traders were also consulted to find out what improvements they would suggest for the city’s 10 markets and farmers’ markets.

The consultation generated nearly 800 responses which ranged from people wanting bigger markets, more diverse, sustainable and local products, right through to calls for improved parking and safety, better signage and the need for more advertising to raise awareness of the sites.

All this feedback has been used as the foundation for the ‘Future of Markets’ action plan which outlines what can be realistically delivered in the near future.

In a report going to Cabinet next week (Friday 22 July), the Future of Markets proposal will be considered and will see initial funding of £920,000 invested in a series of quick-wins.

These include:

• Promote the different market locations.
• Deliver a maintenance plan for ten sites “to get the basics right” – i.e. toilets, parking, utilities, access and signage.
• Create an online expression of interest form, to attract new traders and opportunities.
• Implement digital payment system on site to make it easier for customers to pay for goods.
• Establish a steering group of council representatives, traders and members of the community.

These initiatives will all be delivered over a two-year period.

As well as the quick wins, a ’Big Ideas’ element is included in the action plan which gives specific attention to Great Homer Street Market to explore all options to enhance the offer at this site – there will be a focus on applying for external funding to invest in the market.

It is expected a new role will be created in the council’s City Development team to project manage and implement all of the recommendations outlined in the strategy.

The markets consultation related to the following sites:

• St Johns (city centre)
• Great Homer Street (Everton)
• Liverpool Food Hub (Electric Avenue)
• Tuebrook Market
• Monument Place (London Road)
• Garston
• Farmers’ markets at University Square, Woolton, Allerton, and Lark Lane.

Liverpool’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:

“I’m a big fan of our markets and they have fantastic, untapped potential which is exactly why we launched this consultation – it was all about kickstarting a thorough conversation about what already works well and what needs to change.

“From the outset we made it clear that we wanted input from those people who know best – the traders themselves – and the residents who shop at our markets. It was also vital to hear from people who don’t use the service and understand what the barriers are to them making the most of the offer.

“As a direct result of the feedback, we are going to invest more than £900,000 to make changes which will make a real difference to everyone involved – and at the same time we’re going to be looking at the bigger picture, particularly in relation to Greatie market.

“It’s about driving forward change to make our markets vibrant and attractive – not only to residents, but also to visitors spending time in our city.

Graeme Tuthill, Chair of Great Homer Street market traders, said:

“The market traders appreciated being involved in the consultation process and the meetings we had were positive about the future of the markets.

“It’s great to see that our feedback seems to have been taken on board and there is going to be much-needed financial investment in markets – I look forward to seeing how the action plan develops moving forward.”

The consultation was carried about by Savills and is part of the new city council approach to engage residents in key Liverpool decisions.

The report notes that the quick wins will be carried out on St Johns Market after the resolution of the current rent review mediation.

To see the full report and the consultation results click here.