Rent-free period extended for new Great Yarmouth market

The town's six-day covered market had been due to move into a larger, greener home in January but the project has been hit by the widespread delays and supply chain issues affecting construction projects around the world.

The council now hopes to open the first-phase of the £4.7m revamped market in spring next year with a new date to be confirmed as construction progresses.

To support traders through the winter trading period, the Council is now extending an existing one-month rent-free period for traders moving to the new site to two months.

Council leader Carl Smith and Labour group leader Trevor Wainwright said: "We know that January and February are traditionally a quieter period of the year, which is why we are helping with rent for our market traders while we continue to work on the new covered market.

"Projects up and down the country have been hit by supply-chain issues because of the continuing impact of Covid-19 and we are very sorry that our new market building will open later than hoped, but when it does it will give shoppers a brighter, cleaner, and more spacious market."

The extended rent-free period adds to the help being offered to traders transferring to the new market, which includes interest-free loans for new equipment and increased financial security through long-term leases.

In the new year the council will launch a social media campaign to promote stalls across the market.

The new covered market will have 26 main stalls, alongside two kiosk stalls and space for pop-up traders, and the design allows for covered seating for customers using the food and drink stalls.

All stalls will be well insulated to regulate temperature and all light fittings will be low-energy LED lights, adding to its energy efficiency.