New food and drink experience set for Ormskirk indoor market

A six-figure investment is set to revitalise the disused former indoor market in Ormskirk town centre, launching a new food and drink-centred attraction creating up to 80 jobs.

The central building, originally built back in 1903 as the home of Hesfords DIY & Gardening company, will be transformed into a new food hall, as well as six kitchens, an immersive games loft, bar area, private hire space, several retail outlets and live music space.

The two-storey space offers 10,000 sq ft of space and will showcase vendors from the local area.

The project is being lead by Simon and Fiona Beer. Simon lives in Ormskirk and successfully operates his EPIC brand in and around Liverpool city centre.

He said: “We’ve been dreaming about doing this for many years. We want to reimagine this historic space with a modern concept that can thrive while emulating the success of similar sites in other UK market towns.

"Having been left abandoned for many years, we want to bring this space back to life and to what it was so well known for locally - a market building. We’ll be keeping its original features, such as the iconic clock face, as well as some of the signage that has been here since day one.”

Fiona added: “Many people from this area have to travel into Liverpool if they want food, drinks, and entertainment on this scale, but that will no longer be the case. Ormskirk Food & Drink Market will offer a taste of the city centre, and the restaurants and bars that it has within it, much closer to home. Venues like ours will open new avenues for people on our doorstep to explore.

"Our brand ethos is Eat, Meet and Play, so whether it’s family time, fun with friends, date nights or days out accompanied by your dog, this is a space for everyone to enjoy, all under one historic roof.”

A recruitment drive has already begun to fill the new roles, including the venue’s general manager. The team is also currently on the lookout for traders to take up residency in the new space.

Fiona said: “This is a real opportunity to showcase what the area has to offer, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to see just what we have been working on for so long and to enjoy what Ormskirk Food & Drink Market is all about.”