New manager at St John’s

Liverpool’s St Johns Market has appointed David Wightman as its new manager, replacing interim market manager Colin McCrory, who has overseen the operation since it re-opened in November, following a £2.5m revamp.

David has spent the past 23 years running shopping centres, before taking up his new role at one of Britain’s oldest indoor markets. He has a special connection with the market having met his wife at the St John’s Centre while running a jeweller’s outlet there in the 1990s.

Liverpool resident David said of the appointment: “It feels like coming home.” He added: “Me and St Johns go back a long way. I vividly recall the old market as a child and have many great memories there so I’m thrilled to be returning at a really exciting time for the market.

“There’s a great mix of tenants at St Johns and over the next few weeks there’s going to be some really big announcements which will have a great impact on the market.

“Colin has given me a great overview of what’s been going on and what’s planned and all I can say is that Liverpool shoppers are in for a treat as we head into the summer.”

David’s arrival coincides with the  announcement that three new food operators; a Portugese eatery, a crepe cafe and a Brazilian food and drink trader, are to open in the next two weeks making the food court element of the market 100% let. The market’s hair and beauty section is also 100% let and an African/Asian artefacts stall will also open in the next fortnight.