Wolverhampton’s new-look city centre market will open for business tomorrow (Tuesday) after works were completed in Market Square on Friday.
The outdoor markets have been re-invigorated and modernised, with purpose-built cabins adding to the existing stalls.
The new market houses 46 licensed outdoor stalls which are enclosed by 16 colourfully branded cabins.
An official launch event will take place on Saturday, May 7, with full details to be announced shortly.
City of Wolverhampton Council Service Director for City Environment, Ross Cook, said: “The new cabins bring the existing indoor and outdoor markets together to enhance the customer experience.
“It will provide vitality and important footfall to this area of the city and is another example of the regeneration of Wolverhampton.
“We’d like to thank traders and customers for their patience during the works and hope they enjoy their new-look market.”
You can keep up to speed with market life via Twitter – @WV_MarketPlace and Facebook – themarketplaceWolverhampton.
Market traders’ representative, Dud Malik, added:
“The new market provides a modern look and there will be more on offer to encourage people to keep coming back.
“The indoor market was looking tired and old and the new cabins are fitted out very nicely.
“Now all the traders are together in one place I’m sure it will be good for business.
“I’ve been trading on the market for 42 years and have loved every day of it – now I’m looking forward to each day even more.”
The markets relocation signals another phase in the changing face of Westside, which, as a major development opportunity in the city, received a number of submissions of interest from the UK’s leading developers and investors.
The former indoor market and Heantun House will be demolished, with work due to begin in the summer. The site will be converted to car parking to cover the period prior to redevelopment.
Market Square is one of three markets in Wolverhampton, with Bilston and Wednesfield markets also popular places to shop.
For details on opening times visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/markets.