Page 20 - MarketTimesOctober2020
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20 MARKET TIMES • OCTOBER 2020 Hopes are high for the future of Crewe Market Hall with a
£3 million transformation
 Call for new traders to apply
 WORK is nearing completion on the £3 million redevelopment of Crewe’s historic market hall which is due to reopen next spring.
With an announcement of a new private operator for the hall and the outdoor market imminent, Cheshire East Council is busy finalising the tally of market traders and the fit- outs of the new stalls.
The indoor market can trace its roots back to the 1850s when a cheese hall, a corn exchange, a butter and bacon warehouse and, eventually, an outside covered market were built to establish the town as a produce centre.
The markets have continued ever since and the Victorian market hall recently underwent its biggest redevelopment programme since the 1970s.
The transformation is part of a £50 million programme of investment in the town centre aimed at repositioning Crewe as a prime leisure and retail destination.
The refurbishment of the Grade II listed
building has opened up the large archways as entrances with glazed doors, with repairs carried out to external brickwork.
The interior has seen a complete redecoration and remodelling. The existing stalls have been replaced with units more in keeping with the hall’s rich history. There are 22 new permanent stalls and a central area with the flexibility to accommodate 12 regularly changing, pop-up stalls and seating. It can also double up as event space. Eight of the new units will be within the Shambles, one of the most striking architectural features. There will also be improved and relocated toilets.
In addition, the refurb covered new flooring, electrics, heating and lighting throughout the building.
And there is data cabling to support EPOS for each fixed stall and wireless broadband throughout the building.
The market will open six days a week, with the new private operator at the helm. And the
council is looking to sign up high quality traders including fresh food retailers, independent eateries and artisans and makers. The pop-up stalls will give new enterprises an opportunity to test the water, and a regular programme of activities, events and demonstrations is planned, with the flexibility to open during the evening for entertainment and themed events.
In its pitch to would-be traders, the council said: “We are looking for independent businesses which can provide a range of options for eating and drinking — including “dining-in” in the central seating area and quality products for customers to take home.
“Think sumptuous cakes and mouth-watering pizzas, fresh fruit and vegetables and quality meat and fish, delicious coffee and exotic cuisine.”
On the non-food side, it wants hand-crafted gifts, jewellery and homeware, original artwork, ceramics and beautiful flowers, as well as services such as beauty treatments.

















































































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