ECHO readers believe 'nothing will ever replace the original Quiggins' after plans were announced that could see Cavern Walks transformed into a 'new alternative indoor market'.
Cavern Walks was acquired earlier this week from Signature Living by a joint venture between Greenwood Developments and JSM Company Group.
JSM owns many bars across the city centre, including a number in Mathew Street . The business is planning to turn the lower floor units of Cavern Walks into space for 'quirky independent retailers'.
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Quiggins started life on School Lane, but the venue closed in 2006 to make way for Liverpool ONE. Some traders from the original indoor market then set up shop in Grand Central, but that too shut in 2018.
ECHO reader JP O'Neill said the original alternative indoor market was "lightning in a bottle". He added: "I don't think you can recreate Quiggins. Grand Central was good, but it lacked the feel and independence of the original."
While Daisy O'Quigley added: "Nothing will ever replace the original Quiggins I can still remember the smell and atmosphere to this day." Elizabeth Jane said she "can't picture anywhere ever having the atmosphere Quiggins did" while Alice Jones said she doubts it can "beat the original".
While some readers were doubtful, others were equally excited about the prospect of Quiggins' return. Danielle Erica said: "Quiggins coming back and Blink 182 going on tour... my inner Emo kid is screaming."
Sarah McDonnell added: "Really hoping the new Quiggins has the same essence as the original. Looking forward to going."
Ruth Jefferies said she "loved" Quiggins in the 1980s and thinks the new plans are "amazing". Phil Painter added: "If they keep the rent low as possible, it might work. But you can't beat the Quiggins on School Lane."
Some ECHO readers are just happy work will start on Cavern Walks. The boutique shopping arcade was packed at weekends in the 1990s and noughties , but has suffered a decline in recent years.
Paul Kavanagh said the space "looks sad and empty". He added: "Cavern Walks needs something like this."
Bel Newby said: "Maybe a new Quiggins would work. It's not a place I went to when it was open. Cavern walks was a beautiful shopping centre I think it's failings where that it was a bit hidden from the main shopping area. If you were new to the city you probably wouldn't have known it was there."
Matt Crebbin, of JSM, told the ECHO its "intention is to attract independent and unique operators" to Cavern Walks. He added: "As a Liverpool based company, we know how popular Quiggins was and how it is still fondly remembered. We would love to create a similar experience in Cavern Walks."
The upper floors of Cavern Walks were previously used as office space and will become a hotel under the proposals by JSM and Greenwood Developments.
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