Food hall planned for Cains brewery complex

The entrepreneurs behind the Independent Liverpool discount card are looking to create a food hall at the Cains brewery complex in Stanhope Street.Working with Pearson Architects, Oliver Press, who runs the loyalty scheme with David Williams, has lodged a planning application to change the use of a warehouse building at the site into a multi-purpose space including a food hall, two bars, cinema, performance area and event space.Called Independent Liverpool Markets, the hall would see small food and drink businesses operate from shipping containers.The design and access statement lodged as part of the application states that “the best cities have unique food halls, showcasing the talent, taste and diversity of the city. Liverpool needs one too”.The document adds that the traders have been running their own food festivals under the Independent Liverpool banner for 18 months within the Baltic Triangle, working with more than 100 traders and serving over 10,000 customers.As to the long-term future of the site, which is owned by Ajmail and Sudarghara Dusanj, a development partner is still being sought for the £150m Cains Brewery Village project.Planning permission was granted in 2013 for a variety of uses at the site, including a craft brewery, museum, boutique hotel and arthouse cinema. Outline consent was given for 725 homes, 36,300 sq ft of commercial space and a 41,900 sq ft footsore.