SOUTHPORT’S 127-year-old Indoor Market will become one of the town’s most-prized assets, following a £3.2m transformation.

Sefton Council’s vision for the King Street site aims to guarantee its future for decades to come.

Dubbed the “up-market market”, the ailing building will be revitalised with a vast refurbishment programme that would also see Market Street pedestrianised and rebranded Southport’s “Market Quarter”.

Councillors passed the decision in secret yesterday morning, but we can today disclose how:

£2.7m will be spent turning the market into a contemporary and sophisticated shopping hall anchored by two restaurants;

A mezzanine floor will take the market to two levels, as the suspended ceiling is ripped out to show its beautiful wrought-iron and glass roof;

The Market Street side of the hall would be replaced with a modern glass-frontage, with new lighting, heating and ventilation installed;

The market would have a European-style theme, filled with fresh food counters and unique non-food stalls;

A second phase of work costing £429k would see Market Street pedestrianised, with seating and outdoor stalls;

Street artwork will be erected in the area welcoming people to the “Market Quarter”.