An increased police presence is planned at one of Liverpool's most popular outdoor markets, as Merseyside Police seek to use the car park at Great Homer Street Market, known as Greatie Market, for weekday staff parking. The proposal, submitted to Liverpool Council, aims to generate additional revenue for the city, which is looking to upgrade the market site.
Market History and Relocation
The market has operated at its current site for approximately 15 years, after being relocated from its historic home in Everton, where it had existed for more than 180 years. The move made way for a £150 million urban redevelopment project, a partnership between Liverpool Council and property developer St Mowden, which now includes a Sainsbury's supermarket, shops, and homes.
Police Parking Proposal
The force has applied to use the market's car park, which currently opens only on Saturdays, for temporary weekday overflow parking for their headquarters at Rose Hill and St Anne Street Station, located about 500 metres south of the market. The site is vacant and secured for the rest of the week, providing no revenue to the council.
According to a transport statement attached to the application, Merseyside Police employed an additional 337 staff between 2023 and 2026. During construction at the headquarters, an abandoned graveyard of the long-demolished St Ann's Church on Grosvenor Street and St Joseph's RC Church on Greater Richmond Street was discovered. This, along with major utility services in Cazneau Street and Juvenal Street, reduced car parking arrangements at the headquarters site.
Revenue Generation and Market Upgrade
The proposal would open the market's car park for police contract parking between 5.30am on Mondays and 7pm on Fridays, requiring minor changes to gate arrangements. Liverpool Council's city development directorate has secured up to £5m in government funding to upgrade and expand the market, aiming to attract more traders. Plans are being developed, with a planning application expected in the coming months.
During 2026, Merseyside Police has been in contact with the council to ensure the car park use will not compromise or conflict with the market improvement plans. The transport statement noted that the development directorate budget is "under strain," and the car park offer would provide new revenue opportunities for the market.
