Multi-million-pound plans have been submitted to help regenerate Leek town centre by investing in its historic indoor markets.
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council plans to spend £3 million on the markets after being awarded £17.1 million from the Government’s Levelling Up programme earlier this year.
Designs detailing the plans for Leek’s historic indoor markets – which have been at the heart of town life for hundreds of years and are central to this once-in-a-generation programme – have now been submitted for planning consent.
At the Butter Market, the plans include investing in retail spaces and shopfronts to improve the shopping environment, whilst the Trestle Market will be refurbished to provide a flexible retail and events space with three independent food and drink outlets and customer seating area.
The entrances on Derby Street and Silk Street will also be improved and a new access point, through a former opening leading to Derby Street, will be created enabling the Trestle Market to be open at times when the Butter Market isn’t to allow for independent operation of this space.
The Derby Street entrance gates and original cast iron signage will be restored and redecorated.
Due to the markets’ location in the conservation area, features such as the glazed tiling and roof trusses will be preserved and the imitation slates on the roof will be replaced with real slate.
Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, Cabinet member for Leisure and Tourism, said: “This is a really exciting point in the programme – the plans are now at the stage where we’re seeking planning approval so we can meet our aim of starting the work on site in the New Year.
“This significant investment will integrate the buildings seamlessly and deliver improvements for the businesses and market traders, shoppers, and the local community as we open up flexible space for events.
“It will ensure these buildings are fit for the future whilst at all times respecting and retaining the important heritage aspects of their Victorian character which give them such a special status in the town.”
The local authority says it is keen to support traders whilst the construction work takes place and is in discussions with the businesses and traders in the indoor markets about the practicalities of how the work will be carried out.
The other projects which make up the LUF programme are:
- Brough Park Leisure Centre – where the existing pool will be replaced and new exercise studios will be provided.
- Nicholson Institute – where plans include redesigning the library and museum areas and bringing the lower ground floor back into use.
