Page 30 - MarketTimesApril2013
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  Vision for £7m investment in Leicester Market unveiled
 PROPOSALS for a £7 million investment in Leicester Market have been unveiled, with early concept designs for the food hall showing a glass and timber pavilion connected to the north side of the Corn Exchange by a glazed roof.
The new hall will feature large spans of laminated timber beams, minimising the need for columns and maximising the flexibility of the useable floor space.
There will be more space for meat, fish and deli stalls than currently available in the market hall, with a flexible space for hot food stalls or temporary trading.
Suspended lamps and plenty of natural daylight, combined with insulated floors and ceilings, will make for comfortable working conditions, and the layout will aim to give an authentic market atmosphere.
The City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, said: “The market has been at the heart of city life for many generations — and I am determined that it should continue to thrive for generations.
“It is, however, in urgent need of investment, if it is to play its part in the city’s regeneration.”
The plan is to knock down the 40- year-old indoor market hall, which the council says is no longer fit for purpose, although the demolition will not take place until the new food hall is completed, allowing trading to continue throughout the construction work.
The demolition will make way for a square at the back of the Corn Exchange, which could be framed by trees and will open up views of the surrounding heritage buildings.
The council says the square could be used for a range of activities,
helping to trigger new investment in areas currently suffering from a lack of footfall.
Contemporary lock-ups could be introduced in the southeast corner of the open market, providing flexible, robust stalls for traders relocation from the indoor market.
New storage for dry goods would by created, with the basement of the old indoor market retained to provide further storage space and an extensive area for the recyclng of market waste.
And public toilets, parking for disabled drivers and vehicle access for traders would be incorporated in the scheme.
Architects Greig & Stephenson produced the concept designs. Director Nigel Stephenson said: “We were asked to come up with a master plan for the market that would increase footfall through the
site by creating a new public space and new improved links to the rest of the city centre’s main shopping areas.
“Leicester Market sits within a conservation area, surrounded by many attractive buildings, and it needs to capitalise on its location. It’s clear that Leicester Market has the potential to be a major attraction on the scale of the Borough Market in London — and it could even replicate the success of food markets in places like Barcelona and Madrid.”
Paddy Deevey, chairman of the NMTF’s Leicester branch and a third generation fruit and veg trader, welcomed the plans.
“We’ve been calling for this sort of investment for years so we’re extremely positive about the plans,” he said.
“Visitors to the city who discover the market for the first time tell me what a gem it is. What this project will do is to make it even better, while encouraging new investment in the area around it.
“Everyone knows that money is tight, so this commitment to the market at this time is very much appreciated.
“We welcome the project and look forward to discussing the proposals in more detail with the city council and our members.”
Leicester people and traders were given an opportunity to give their views on the proposals before a planning application was submitted. The council says the new market could be open by Christmas.
NEWS
Market Times • April 2013
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