A Sefton market which reopened to much fanfare six months ago is to close temporarily.
Sefton Council said Southport Market will shut briefly to give staff “much-needed respite” and to allow “finishing touches and refurbishment work” to be carried out.
The market, which re-opened in July after a £1.4m refurbishment aimed to transform the fortunes of Market Street in the town, will close from Monday January 17 to Wednesday February 2.
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Before its refurbishment, the market had suffered years of decline, with only one butcher shop left open in the facility when it closed.
After re-opening its doors on July 22, people flocked to the site, which houses a mixture of established Southport names and newly formed brands.
A council spokesperson said that the closure comes following the busy Christmas period where “tens of thousands of customers” attended the market for festive film showings, visits to Santa’s grotto, food and shopping.
Sefton Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, Cllr Marion Atkinson, said: “In its first six months of operation, the new Southport Market has surpassed all expectations.
“We knew from detailed research prior to launch that the venue would be a success, but we could not have predicted just how popular it has been with our residents and tourists.
“It is down entirely to the dedication, hard work and talent of our traders, bar staff and Sefton Council’s tourism team, who have worked non-stop since July 2021 and I am sure everyone will agree they have earned a short rest.
“This temporary closure will also allow us to put the finishing touches and additional final refurbishments to the venue and we look forward to welcoming our wonderful customers back in February.”
Following the reopening on Wednesday, February 2nd, a new calendar of events is planned, including weekly live music, open mic nights, artisan markets and an “Easter extravaganza.”
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