St John’s Market is a city-centre market in Liverpool. A market hall, purpose-built in the 19th century, once housed it. Now, it forms part of St John’s Shopping Centre which was constructed on the site in the 1960s.
St John’s Market is a covered market that’s centrally located in Liverpool, close to Lime Street railway station. It can trace its history back to 1822, although the current market dates from 1971. The original market hall was demolished over 50 years ago. You’ll find more shopping in St John’s Shopping Centre next door. It opened in 1969, making it the oldest of its kind in the city.
Work started on St John’s Market in 1820 and finished around a year later. At the time, there were lots of markets in Liverpool. But this one, a covered space planned for Great Charlotte Street, stood out from the beginning. Local architect John Foster, who later became the Liverpool Corporation’s surveyor, designed the splendid building that housed the market.
The market was very advanced for its time. Five shopping avenues were arranged by food type. Cast-iron dividers segregated them; they helped shoppers navigate the vast space. Traders had access to hot water whenever they needed it. When complete, 114 gas burners illuminated the market. Outside, many ornate decorations graced the façade and roof, including a stone liver bird finial that the Liverpool Museum rescued when the market was torn down.
Stallholders sell a diverse range of products including food and fashion to household goods. Retailers at St John’s Shopping Centre include the supermarket chain Aldi, high-street catalogue store Argos, discount store chain Home Bargains, and a Sainsbury’s supermarket.
St John’s Market is well-connected by bus and is located close to several railway stations including Liverpool Lime Street and Liverpool Central. Other places to shop, such as Liverpool ONE and Metquarter, are close by.
The shopping precinct was modernised in 2013. Improved facilities such as Wi-Fi and public toilets have encouraged new stalls to open. Radio City Tower, originally built as a ventilation tower for the market, now broadcasts radio programmes to shoppers. There’s also an observation deck boasting panoramic views over Liverpool.
Location: St George’s Pl, Liverpool L1 1LY, UK
Open: Monday–Wednesday and Friday–Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, Thursday from 9am to 7pm, Sunday from 11am to 5pm
