PLANS are afoot for a Sunday market in the historic Cains Brewery in Upper Stanhope Street.
But don't expect any old tat like football scarves or end-of-line Asda onesies. “Baltic Yards” is described it as an “urban bazaar” inspired by Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal and Seattle’s celebrated Pike Place.
Baltic Yards would be a “retail experience” and “an entirely original destination providing space for independent retailers, designers, artisans, food producers, different ethnic crafts as well as traditional style traders”, say organisers.
At the helm of Baltic Yards Limited is Mo Maghazachi of Liverpool PR outfit Archetype, who says the market promises to add an “entirely original and independent element to Liverpool’s retail offer”.
Huge brewing vats being removed from the historic Cains site last month
Baltic Yards has been in talks with the Dusanj brothers, owners of the 150-year-old Cains Brewery which went bust last year. Under another company they say they are hoping to develop a “Brewery Village” development on the site with shops, restaurants and an art house cinema.
Mr Maghazachi said: “From the outset we have seen this project as the logical next step in the evolution of the Baltic area. We need attractions and activity that will radically increase footfall and help the area to grow and develop. The idea of an independent retail bazaar on a real city scale is the obvious solution.”
Cains Brewery was wound up last year with debts totalling more than £8m, much of it to HMRC. Brewery workers, some of whom had worked there for more than 20 years, were left high and dry after being told there was no money for redundancy.
But that's all in the past for Cains Director Sughadara Dusanj: “We are really excited by this project," he said.
"They have done their homework and assembled an experienced team who understand how to deliver this sort of attraction. It will be a massive boost to this area and underscore its reputation as Liverpool’s happening neighbourhood.”
Last month, plans were revealed for another Sunday market at Pall Mall car park to the north of the Pier Head. But at the time, Liverpool City Council told Confidential that it might face opposition. Under the city’s historic King John charter rights, nobody can establish a market within 6.66 miles of the nearest city council operated or licensed market/car boot sale without a markets licence. Currently the council runs all of the city's markets with partner Geraud.
Nevertheless, Baltic Yards Ltd says is now in discussion with Liverpool City Council planners and has been liaising with local organisations including the Baltic CIC stakeholder group.
A spokesman for Baltic Yards told Confidential: “This is not being pitched as a market or even as competition to Geraud’s markets, but we appreciate it is an issue.”
He added that the company is hopeful of securing planning permission before the end of the summer and be open for business in September-October.
“We have already had expressions of interest from various traders and independent businesses based in and around the city region. There is relevant financial backing for the project with a clear business plan not just to get it off the ground but ensure it is sustainable in the longer term."
