Page 44 - Market Times October 2021
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FEATURE • COALVILLE
 century and transform it into a bright, modern market fit for the 21st century.
“This concept of modern markets with eateries and tables in the middle for people to meet and chat, with market stalls in the background, has been tried in other towns and cities and we know it works.”
He said the next stage of the regeneration would involve investment in Marlborough Square. The plan was to remove parking and create an attractive open space where an outdoor market could set up stall.
“We hope that existing market traders and new independent-minded retailers will want to start and run businesses on either the indoor or outdoor market, and there will be a flow of people shopping or popping into the indoor market to have something to eat and chat and to meet up with family and friends,” Coun Blunt added.
The project has not been without its setbacks, not least COVID-19. Another challenge was the withdrawal of the main contractor because of financial concerns due to the pandemic.
But the team battled on and the bright, light, inviting new market is a testimony to their efforts.
Existing traders and new start-ups have been more than happy to get on board. The market features two permanent caterers and a further two available for casual hot food traders.
Periklis Koliopoules, who hails from Athens, has been selling his authentic Greek food at markets and festivals, but was only too happy to cook up a treat in Newmarket which is now his local market
Coun Richard Blunt, leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, is pictured with the council’s Newmarket project manager Clare Lambert
 There are also pop-up opportunities for casual traders wanting to test the water as well as stalls for traders wanting to trade every market day.
The Handmade Brownie Company is among businesses that have joined the market with their hot food, drinks and a range of award-winning cakes and brownies.
Gavin and Zara Williams started their business from home and have grown it gradually both online and through weekly markets and food festivals.
“We think it will be a great opportunity for us and other small businesses to grow, as well as encourage people back into the town centre to shop local and give
independent businesses like ours a boost,” they said
Another hot food business is run by Periklis Koliopoules who hails from Athens and has been cooking and supplying authentic Greek dishes and sweets at markets and festivals for the past five years.
“I go to a lot of festivals and events around the country but this is local for me, so I will see how it goes here,” he said.
Non-food traders include plenty of arts and crafts, as well as a few traders from the old indoor market, and several start-ups.
Darren Millard used to trade in the old market with his son, Joe, who has built up
   Darren Millard sells retro gifts including reproduction metal signs, mugs and auto-themed gifts under the banner Rockabilly Retro














































































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