A new, waterfront independent market and artisan retail hub is set to open on land adjacent to the iconic Woodside Ferry Terminal Building in Birkenhead this Spring.
The Independent Market @Woodside is a joint collaboration between Woodside Area CIC, who developed the existing Woodside Ferry Village in 2019 and Independent Wirral, an organisation who champions and supports local independent businesses, retailers and artisans.
The new purpose built space will enjoy world-class views across the River Mersey to the world famous Liverpool Skyline and beyond and is set to become the only combined, independent retail and food hub in the UK.
The exciting new addition, which is set to open to the public on 1st May, will offer flexible retail space for Wirral’s independent entrepreneurs and talented makers to showcase and sell their products and services, not only to local residents but to visitors from across the region.
Work to transform the area is well underway and MD of Woodside Area CIC, Sharon Stanton, says the plans are going to add even greater dimensions to the already thriving food hall offering at Woodside Ferry Village.
“Our vision has been to create a vibrant space that can be used by quality, independent retailers and makers from across Wirral. By working together with Independent Wirral our aim is to develop a thriving retail community here at Woodside and enhance its overall pull as a major visitor attraction for the region. We are so excited to be able to offer this fantastic new facility through Independent Wirral, who are all about showcasing the talent we have here on the peninsula. By joining forces with Woodside Ferry Village we will create a truly ground-breaking hub offering visitors the opportunity to eat, drink and shop in this world class location”.
The Independent Market @ Woodside project has been funded through the Town Deal Accelerator Fund, a scheme designed to ‘level up the country’ creating jobs and building stronger and more resilient local economies and communities. It is also being supported by Wirral Borough Council and Wirral Chamber of Commerce.
Paula Basnett, CEO at Wirral Chamber of Commerce, commented, “There are exciting times in the months ahead as we see far reaching plans taking shape in Woodside and further afield. We have a very strong community of independent businesses and we want to support their growth and provide great opportunities to maximise the advantage of our unique waterfront location. Through creative development plans, we will make Woodside a successful hub of activity and community”
The new Independent Wirral Market @ Woodside, which is being set on land once part of the original dry dock area, will boast 20 purpose built retail chalets, designed by the “Quirky Builders”, a local artisan construction company. All materials have been built using locally sourced, reclaimed timber with more than a nod to the original shipping crates and maritime heritage which once populated the area.
The simple and highly sustainable design will also include festoon lighting and landscaped areas and has been planned around a Covid-19 safe, one way system to allow easy movement around the site whilst embracing current and future social distancing advice.
Independent business owners can rent the chalets on a flexible basis to suit their own individual business needs and the whole project will be supported by a sustained, collaborative marketing plan driven by both the Woodside Area CIC and Independent Wirral teams.
To find out more about how to become part of the Independent Market @ Woodside or to register your interest please email hello@independentwirral.co.uk | www.independentwirral.co.uk
