Green light for new indoor market hall

PLANNING permission and listed building consent has been granted for a new indoor market hall in Preston as part of the £50m Markets Quarter development.

The opening of the new Market Hall will enable the current indoor market to be redeveloped, making way for the new state of the art cinema, restaurants and new multi storey car park.

Preston City Council gave the thumbs up to the new structure – under part of the larger historic covered market.

The approved plans also include provision for a contemporary “box market” under the recently restored fish market canopy. The box market will be constructed from upgraded painted containers fitted out with doors, windows and electricity making them great flexible trading units.

Restoration of the larger market canopy is currently underway and will be completed in time for construction of the new indoor market which is scheduled to start in early 2017.

Cllr Robert Boswell, cabinet member for Environment and Community said: “This wonderful design for our new market hall is a credit to the architects.

“It strikes absolutely the right note creating a modern, innovative structure that will enhance the use of the stunning historic market canopy.

“The building will provide a great setting for the new indoor market both for our market traders to trade from and for the people of Preston to shop, eat and spend some time in.”

“Together with the on-going refurbishment of the market canopies and the upgrading of the outdoor market, our market plans are really taking shape.

“This is great news for Preston and brings us another step closer to realising the vision for the Markets Quarter.”