It was designed by John Foster, Junior with "136 stone-trimmed classical arched window bays, supported by 116 interior cast-iron pillars".

[8] Considerations were made by Liverpool City Council in relation to a possible relocation of the shopping market as part of a larger redevelopment proposal for the centre.

Land Securities, the then owner of the shopping centre, was aiming to start the refurbishment in early 2009 with the market moving in 2010 if the proposals went ahead.

The £1.6 million refurbishment, which was carried out by Graham Interior Fitout,[12] dramatically modernised the lower-ground area as well as the atria around the escalators and the first floor balustrading.

St Johns is also home to one of Liverpool's largest group of independent retailers, ranging from baby clothing to beauty outlets.