Southport Market Quarter transformed as first phase of regeneration reach completion

Since January, Southport’s Market Quarter has been transformed, with big changes including the pedestrianisation of Market Street and adjoining King Street becoming one way.

Last week, Sefton Council’s Deputy Leader Paulette Lappin joined Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Transport Committee Chair Steve Foulkes in visiting the Market Quarter to celebrate the scheme’s completion.

The work has created a more pleasant shopping, dining and event experience, to encourage more visitors to spend longer in the area.

Wider pavements and improved crossing points on Eastbank Street also help better connect the Market Quarter to Chapel Street, Lord Street and the rest of the town centre. Future phases will improve the spaces connecting to the Promenade and waterfront.

Sefton Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson said:

“The works on Market Street, King Street and Eastbank Street have transformed the area, to create an accessible, high quality and long lasting public space to be enjoyed by all.

“The scheme has been an important part of investing in Southport, using funding from the Southport Town Deal and Liverpool Combined Authority’s Sustainable Transport Funding to improve these streets and support our vision for the town.

“We have been investing in the area, improving the look and feel of the town with new wide pavements, trees and plants and new places to sit.

“The refreshed look and better visitor experience will help encourage more private investment and strengthen our visitor economy.”

Benches, trees and plants have all been carefully chosen to suit the weather of a coastal town.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills said:

“By encouraging people to visit more frequently and to spend more time in Southport and generally making the place feel nice to be in, high quality public spaces such as this are important to supporting local businesses.

“Pedestrianising Market Street has created a great opportunity for events and markets such as The Coastal Jam in September this year.

“It’s an example of how in the future, we can encourage families to an area and feel safe away from traffic.

“This new space creates such possibilities for the area, which is so great to see, and I look forward to people coming and really enjoying the space. “

Cllr Lappin continued: 

“The widening of pavement creates a nice open space. It can support additional footfall on busy days without feeling cramped.

“This change helps encourage people traveling into town to walk, wheel or cycle around the area, enjoying the town and supporting local businesses. And the new benches and planters mean there are places to pause and enjoy the atmosphere while out shopping.

“Plus, active travel into the town centre has associated health and well-being benefits, and Southport is well connected by public transport too. By improving facilities to supporting travel by walking, wheeling, cycling or by public transport it creates a more accessible town centre for all. “

Find out more about Les Transformations de Southport here.

Find out whats on in Southport this Christmas here.

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