Pitching up! Wolverhampton's new outdoor market nearing completion
Wolverhampton's £4.9 million outdoor market can thrive in its new location, the city council leader has declared ahead of its opening.
The new market is taking shape on Cleveland Street and is expected to welcome its first shoppers on July 17, with an official opening event 4 days later.
The market is moving as part of the major Westside development that will transform part of the city centre.
Metal structures which will form canopies connecting the market stalls have been raised, with the finishing touches now needed to complete the project.
The new shopping area will be home to 20 cabins and 48 stalls and new traders have been offered places to join existing stallholders.
It was due to open during the spring but issues with ground conditions have delayed the launch slightly.
Traders are being relocated from Market Square to the site of the former Netto supermarket on Cleveland Street, which was bulldozed in 2016.
Wolverhampton Council leader Roger Lawrence said he was confident the market would be a success in its new location.
He said: "The new market is better located in many ways, it is adjacent to the Wulfrun centre, close to a metro stop and not far from the bus station.
"It is closer to the shopping core, which is obviously a plus. A lot of existing operators are excited and new operators as well."
Councillor Lawrence said it was likely the council would be pushing 'introductory offers' in a bid to entice shoppers into the new market.
He added: "Over centuries the market has moved around. There is no reason to think the market can't function. It is going to be a stronger location."
Leading Wolverhampton councillor Milkinder Jaspal said the arrival of the market would be a huge boost for the city but warned shoppers in the city would need to get behind it to ensure its success.
He said: “The new market will be part of the regeneration of the city centre. I hope people will use the market and make it a success.
“It is important to have a healthy market as it gives people choice and a variety in their shopping. I fully support the market and urge residents to use it.”
The relocation of the market will the latest in a series of major changes proposed for Wolverhampton city centre.
Work is currently ongoing to connect the Midland Metro to the city’s train station, which will be knocked down and rebuilt.
The huge Westside development will create an open leisure space and is set to include a multi-screen cinema, restaurants, bars, hotel, multi-storey car park and apartments.
