Interim findings from a consultation on Liverpool’s markets have been released.
Liverpool City Council announced last year an ambition to transform markets so they become a visitor destination in their own right, reflecting the values and needs of communities, and supporting small traders.
A survey, launched last October, generated almost 800 responses from market traders, market-goers and those who do not shop at the 10 markets and farmers’ markets across the city.
The initial findings, which have been shared with traders, will now form the first steps of the scoping out and feasibility of some of the ‘big ideas’ generated through the consultation process.
Based on the responses to the survey, the proposals include creating a brand new city centre destination market, redeveloping current facilities and relocating some sites to encourage more footfall.
A final report, detailing all the options available, will be presented to the city council on Thursday 31 March (subject to Cabinet approval).
These ideas will then be fully explored, evaluated, and costed up based on available funding to establish if they can be adopted.
The consultation has been carried about by Savills and is part of the new city council approach to engage residents in key Liverpool decisions. More consultations on different Liverpool issues will take place in the coming months.
#TheNextChapter
Survey findings
Which sites does the consultation relate to?
- St John’s (city centre)
- Great Homer Street (Greatie)
- Liverpool Food Hub (Electric Avenue)
- Tuebrook Market
- Monument Place (London Road)
- Garston
- Farmers’ markets at University Square, Woolton, Allerton, and Lark Lane.
There were 798 responses – with an almost even split of responses from regular visitors and those who do not visit the markets.
What do people want?
Regular visitors tend to go monthly, spend £20-£50 and the duration of their stay is around an hour. They wanted:
- More diverse products
- Sustainable, local products
- Bigger markets
- Improved parking and safety
- More of a link with cultural activity
Why don’t people visit?
- Not enough variety
- They don’t know enough about the markets and what they sell
- Lack of facilities
- Concerns about the quality of the goods
What else was said?
- There needs to be a buzz created around markets to attract a new audience
- An arts and crafts focus would be welcomed
- There should be a yearly celebration event for markets
What did traders say?
- The social side of markets is very important – it’s all about the experience
- There needs to be more PR and marketing to raise awareness
- More parking at Great Homer Street
- More tenants are needed
- There needs to be clearer signage
- At St John’s Market there was the desire to introduce an outdoor food element and new shopping experiences
- Fill in gaps in the market calendar such as midweek, Sunday and evenings
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, Councillor Harry Doyle, said: “We pledged last year that we needed to rebuild the council’s relationship with traders and the consultation has been a fundamental part of that reset.
“We were absolutely clear that we wanted to give people who visit and run stalls in our markets a say from the very outset, so they can help shape what they look like in the future.
“This has not just been about finding out what people like, but what they want to see more of and why they don’t visit. It’s also acknowledging the vital role markets play in being incubators for small start-ups and entrepreneurs.
“The feedback we have had will greatly inform our thinking on how to develop a vibrant, attractive offer which not only appeals to residents, but also becomes a must-visit attraction for visitors spending time in Liverpool, as happens in other cities.
“We wanted to share the findings so far and give a sense of the ambition that exists. There are some things that we can do quickly, such as promoting and marketing the existing locations better, changing times and days and making improvements to the experience.
“It will take time to do some things, such as creating new locations or physical improvements, and we can’t promise to deliver absolutely everything in the short and medium term. “I look forward to seeing the final consultation report at the end of March and more formal proposals which will emerge later this year as we continue the conversation with everyone who has an interest in markets.”
Graham Tuthill, Chair of Great Homer Street market traders, said: “All the meetings we have had have been very positive with lots of great ideas and forward thinking.
“We are all looking forward to working together in the future to improve and revitalise the markets of Liverpool.”
