Plan to extend 185-year-old market in £5m upgrade

A 185-year-old city market could be extended as part of a £5m upgrade that would see a new food and drink area and a large canopy, subject to planning approval.

The Great Homer Street Market in north Liverpool, known as the Greatie Market, was earmarked for funding in March 2024 as part of a levelling-up package announced by the previous government.

Liverpool Council has now announced proposals for how the money will be spent and said the plans would be presented for approval by councillors on 15 July.

The planned refurbishment will include upgrades to the existing market building, upgrades to lighting, flooring and customer facilities and new seating areas.

Derelict industrial units on Rachel Street, Dryden Street and the Central Tin site near the market would also be demolished as part of the proposals, to improve access and to "unlock development opportunities", the council said.

Councillor Nick Small, cabinet member for growth and economy, said:" 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."

He said the new area would act as a "key landmark" between the city centre and Bootle in Sefton.

Small added: "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."

The plans will go before the council's cabinet for a vote and, if approved, the authority will begin appointing consultants and contractors.

The council said it expected construction to begin in 2026.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.