An historic market is to receive a £390,000 investment as part of efforts to regenerate a town centre.
Plans drawn up by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council include refurbished stalls, part of High Street being remodelled and rent-free stalls for traders on Mondays.
If approved, all the work will be scheduled for completion by next spring, with the money coming from the authority’s successful bid to the Government’s Future High Street Fund.
Stephen Sweeney, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet member for Finance, Town Centres and Growth, said: “This market has been at the heart of Newcastle’s daily life for centuries and we are determined it maintains a central role.
“This significant investment will support traders seven days a week and is part of our wider investment in and regeneration of the town centre economy.”
Proposals include new removable stalls at the lower end of the High Street, refurbishment of the others and improving the public space, including the creation of an entertainment and event area.
The same number of pitches would be available for the busier markets and other work would include four parking bays for very short stays, a digital screen for advertising and screening events – and creating a public space running through the centre of lower High Street.
Jonathan Hill, owner of mobile coffee bar Piccoloco, has been trading on the market since February 2020 and is now preparing to open his own café with son Ben, as recently reported in Daily Focus.
Jonathan said: “One of the reasons we have been successful is that we have been loyal to our customers by attending the market on consistent, regular basis.
“This has encouraged people to visit regularly which in turn helps to support other traders. Likewise, we have benefitted from other traders sending customers our way.
“Some days are busier than others but although we are opening a shop, people still very much appreciate the market area and it is the hub of the town.
“There are challenges here the same as for other places, but Newcastle needs this market every day, in order for the town to be successful and I’m all for investment in its future and supporting the small independents to help draw more shoppers in.”
The town offers general markets on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, antiques markets on Tuesdays and Thursdays and specialist events on 24 Sundays throughout the year.
I tried to get a stall and was refused, the response was we have enough plant and flower stalls, I really didnt think under current climate this was fair . I hope the reduced fees and roll out comes this year and can benifit small traders.