Wolverhampton goes to market with improved retail offer

WOLVERHAMPTON’S refurbished market place has been reopened to the public.

The city council is hoping the new-look facility will improve footfall through the city centre as it looks to reinvigorate its retail offering.

Work has seen the stalls modernised and improved, with purpose-built cabins added to the mix. The new market houses 46 licensed outdoor stalls, which are enclosed by 16 of the colourfully-branded cabins.

Ross Cook, City of Wolverhampton Council’s service director for city environment, 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.”
 
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 the city’s Westside area.

The redevelopment opportunity has received a number of submissions of interest from potential developers and investors.
 
The project includes the demolition of the former indoor market, with work set to start in the summer. The site will be utilised for car parking until investment is secured for the full redevelopment scheme.

An official launch event for the new-look Market Square will take place on Saturday, May 7.