Liverpool City Council is set to consider a major £5 million investment to revitalise one of the city’s most historic and best-loved trading spaces, Great Homer Street Market, known affectionately as Greatie Market.

A report going to Cabinet on 15 July outlines ambitious plans to refurbish and expand the market as part of a wider regeneration programme for Liverpool North – a 5km stretch spanning from Greatie Market to Bootle town centre.

Funded by the government’s Strategic Futures Panel, the proposals aim to transform Greatie into a modern, vibrant destination for traders, shoppers, and the wider community, while unlocking further development opportunities in the area.

Planned improvements include:

• Full refurbishment of the market building, including upgraded lighting, electrics, flooring and customer facilities.
• A new extension with food and drink units and retractable seating – perfect for events and community use.
• A large external canopy to expand the footprint, offer better weather protection and enhance visitor experience.
• Improved accessibility and layout, including wider aisles and space for more stalls.

The overhaul is designed to increase footfall, support local businesses, and create a more welcoming, functional space for both current and new traders.

As part of the plans, several derelict industrial units on Rachel Street, Dryden Street and the Central Tin site will be demolished to improve safety, access and unlock future development.

If approved, the project will move into delivery phase, with next steps including:

• Appointing consultants to design the upgrade and prepare a planning application.
• Procuring demolition contractors (subject to planning approval and budget).
• Securing a design-and-build contractor to deliver the refurbishment and expansion.

Procurement is expected to begin summer 2025, with construction scheduled for 2026.

For more details, read the full Greatie Market and Scotland Road Cabinet report on the Liverpool City Council website.

To find out more about Liverpool’s markets, visit the official markets website.

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said: 

“Greatie Market is a Liverpool institution, and this investment will secure its future for generations to come. We’re not just upgrading a building – we’re creating a destination that celebrates local enterprise, supports community life, and brings new energy to the area.

“I’m delighted that the plans have been shaped following continuous consultation with traders and local residents which we launched back in 2021 – it’s key they have their say on how they would like to see Greatie evolve and their views on areas such as more covered space and improved parking  will directly influence the new designs.

“It’s an exciting time for the market and the wider community and I look forward to seeing the plans develop and start to come to life over the coming year.”

Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, said:

“The transformation of Greatie Market is a key element of the City Council’s broader Liverpool North New Town vision, and will act as a catalyst for further investment and community-led growth. 

“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. The new area would act as a key landmark between the city centre and Bootle – connecting the Liverpool City Region and revitalising a large number of communities in the North.

“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.”

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