A NEW ‘social hub’ is set to open its doors in May after bosses signed a 15-year lease for the New Brighton space.

Brainchild of partners Carl Thomas, Rob Casson and Steve Thomas, the trio signed the lease for Marine Street Social today (Friday).

Based at Unit 6 Marine Point, a social hub similar to the likes of the Baltic Market in Liverpool will promote Wirral independents and will come complete with a rooftop bar and events space.

One of the sole purposes of Marine Street Social is to promote independent vendors and businesses, who will be able to sign up for three to six month stints on pop-up stalls.

On April 3, Wirral Council also approved the hub's licence and opening times.

Carl told the Globe: “Marine Street Social is all about promoting our independents in a social hub.

“We are social hub offering food, drink, art installations, live music, sport and specialist events.

“I would describe it as a cross between Baltic Market and Mackie Mayor in Manchester. We’ll provide food, drink, events, work spaces with high speed internet and USB connections – we hope to make Marine Street Social a central meeting point.

“We’re mostly aiming for everything to be Wirral sourced, independent and local. With local brews, gins and brands – we hope to champion and join forces with independents across the area to create a premium experience for the people of New Brighton.

“There’s already a lot of events planned for the space but I want to make it very clear that we are not going to be a club or a bar, we offer so much more than that and will be making sure we look after our neighbours and local environment.

“We will work with friends, residents and community groups in New Brighton to help promote our message and get people supporting local businesses.

“The idea is the space is both dog and family friendly – a place where families can come and relax.

“Right now we feel there is something missing from Wirral and we want to promote something different and offer an alternative all year round.

“We want people to come enjoy and use our space.

“We’re currently looking at opening our doors in early May but there is no dates set in stone at the moment.”

For more information and to enter Marine Street Social's Facebook competition visit https://www.facebook.com/marinestreetsocial/posts/377919756022742