Work to start on next phase of market transformation

Many traders have already moved into the first section of a new more spacious and more accessible six-day market, that replaces a tired 30-year old canopy.

The moves mean the old market area can now be cleared, ahead of detailed ground surveys and the construction of the rest of the new market structure.

The market place has been reconfigured many times in the last century, and has a complex network of electricity, gas, and water connections under the surface not all of which have been accurately recorded in the past. Once cleared, the construction team will be able to make detailed surveys to clear the way for the new building's foundations.

A small number of traders will remain in their existing stalls until the final structure is completed, before transferring into the new building.

There will also be new traders coming to the market, with three new businesses in the first phase. The Council has had more than 50 expressions of interest from people wanting to set up on the new market.

Council leader Carl Smith and Labour group leader Trevor Wainwright said: "We are pleased that the first phase of the redevelopment of the market is now open and that traders have received positive comments from both old and new customers 

"As work now begins on the demolition of the old market and the building of the next phase, we are working with the project team to try to keep disruption to a minimum."