Leicester Market to return to its roots as major step forward revealed

Plans to bring Leicester Market back to its original home and create a new event space are moving forward.

City Mayor Peter Soulsby has confirmed the next steps, which include designing a food-focused market next to the existing Food Hall and a versatile outdoor venue for events.

With planning applications and final designs now in the works, the transformation could begin as early as this summer, with market traders potentially moving in by the end of 2026.

Soulsby said: “The scale of the space, and the quality of the surrounding architecture, make it a very special site and I hope that our investment in this scheme will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the wider area.

“My focus now is on progressing this scheme, ahead of a formal decision. Our project team will now be developing the designs and preparing the planning applications, to get this important site redeveloped and open for business as quickly as possible.”

A planning application for the new square is set to be submitted in March, followed by plans for the new building in July.