‘Urban bazaar’ planned for Cains site

A PROPOSAL is being put forward for an “urban bazaar” at the Cains Brewery site in Liverpool.

Organisers say the Sunday-only market, called the Baltic Yards, will feature independent retailers and food producers and be inspired by “some of the world’s most famous and visited city bazaars”.

Cains first unveiled the plans for a food market, boutique hotel and apartments last year as a rescue plan for the brewery when it was struggling with low margins from supermarket contracts, but since then it has been wound up.

Sudarghara and Ajmail Dusanj, who own the site, have permission to turn part of the grade II-listed headquarters building on Grafton Street into a 100-bed boutique hotel, art house cinema, food market and restaurant. The plans, drawn up by Falconer Chester Hall, include a craft brewery and a second phase of apartments on an adjacent site.

Baltic Yards director Mo 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. There is already a wealth of creativity and independent enterprise in the area. It has a unique buzz and energy that is perfect for a venture like this.”

Baltic Yards Ltd is now in discussion with Liverpool City Council planners.