A major retail firm is believed to be in talks to take over Liverpool's famous St John's Market.
A "large store" could soon occupy the site in a move that it's understood could mean current market traders being located around the new store.
It's in a bid to improve footfall to the centre, which opened in 1822, although the identity of the major company is as yet unknown.
A short note in a report set to be discussed at this week's council cabinet meeting makes reference to ongoing discussions with a retail company who could take over the historic market area.
In the revenue monitor report it states: "Management are in discussions with a retail company with a view to relocating a large store on to the market site.
"If these discussions are successful the retail company will take on all ongoing operational costs for the site."
According , the proposals would not see market traders removed from the site - but potentially located around the major new store, which it is hoped would improve footfall for all.
The report also discusses the 'budget pressures' of £417,000 that the council has within its markets department, which primarily relates, it says, to
Most Read
The city council began offering traders at St John's Market free rents in the summer of 2017 after what Mayor Joe Anderson admitted
A number of long-serving traders left the market following the 'shambolic' revamp - and a top market officer within the council was suspended.
Traders complained that the refurbishment was 'sterile' and 'soulless' and wasn't attracting customers inside.
Mayor Anderson then took personal responsibility for the market's fortunes and is understood to have been looking at ways to attract more people in ever since.
Speaking at the time, he said: "I am here to find solutions. I have come here to look at what has been done, to see where the new stuff is going – because I think that will help footfall -and to explain to people where we are up to.
“This is important to me – we have made mistakes and we will put those mistakes right.”
The market traders have continued to pay nothing in rents since that point.
Liverpool City Region Business News
Don’t miss
The City Council told the that it could not comment directly on the negotiations with the retailer as it was commercially sensitive at present.
The revenue monitor report will be agreed at a meeting of the cabinet on Friday.