A DESIGNS company based at Birchwood Park will work with Sefton Council to transform the historical Southport Market.

Plans are already underway by DV8 and the project is set to return the seaside site to its former glory, re-establishing Southport as a cultural destination for the future.

The market sits in the heart of the town’s market district with the original food hall burning down soon after opening in 1857. The present building is the second version of the design and retains its classic Victorian form. Following a renovation, the new market operation has been in steady decline so a radical approach was needed.

Director, Lee Birchall, said: “We're delighted to be working with such a talented and experienced team on this project for Southport. The redesign of Southport Market space will be integral to the regeneration of this fantastic destination and we are so proud to be involved.”

“We bring our extensive experience and specialist knowledge of the sector to the table, along with our passion and our true northern pride.”

DV8 Designs and Dawnvale have an established reputation within the food and drink industry – designing bars restaurants, distilleries and food halls including The Liverpool Gin Bar and Distillery and ‘meet, eat, work’ destination EngineRooms at Birchwood Park.

The vision for the redesigned market hall will draw on the influences of successful UK and European food markets with a cultural model that encourages social eating and sharing, local partnership and collaboration and that supports local producers and small businesses.