Liverpool’s historic St John’s Market reopened to customers today following a £2.5m refurbishment, having been closed since the summer.
Some of the stalls were trading ahead of the grand reopening on November 25th, following recent works to the public areas outside the market, including the new Clayton Square steps and a tree-lined walkway.
Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, told JMU Journalism: “St John’s Market has been totally transformed – people will simply not recognise the place.
“Liverpool’s shopping district has undergone a huge transformation over the past decade and the upgrade to the area around the market, as well as the market itself, is the final piece in that area’s regeneration jigsaw.”
St John’s Market opened to the public in 1822 and has not had any form of refurbishment since the 1970s, where its previous look was unveiled by The Queen in 1971.
YouTube: JMU Journalism
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Following the regeneration, St John’s Market will have grown by a third in its number of traders, with 120 stalls pitched where previously the space held 90.
A host of events will be held in the run up to Christmas, showcasing its new purpose-built space. In the New Year, Liverpool City Council will relocate its central One Stop Shop to the venue, which was previously housed in the Municipal Building.
The St John’s Traders Association is currently creating a website and social media presence for the public to engage with the new market and build relationships.