A high street indoor and outdoor market is set to be redeveloped to focus on food and retail to act as a ‘catalyst’ for town centre regeneration.
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council bought the long-established market in Cheadle last autumn after its main buildings were found to be in poor condition, lacking heating, ventilation, decent toilets and modern facilities.
Officers from the district council’s regeneration team told Cheadle Town Council the preferred option would focus on food, drink and local produce.
Plans include indoor stalls offering a mix of food and retail, seating areas, additional stalls in an arcade echoing the market’s original design and a pop-up outdoor market.
Consultations with traders, local businesses, residents and other stakeholders showed overwhelming support for retaining a market, with calls for more food and drink options, artisan and craft products, community and event space, a fresher appearance and extended evening opening hours.
Councillor Darren Price, deputy leader and portfolio holder for planning and regeneration, said: “We are grateful to the leading high street consultant Esther Worboys and the architects Stride Treglown who steered the consultation, initial designs and undertook a viability assessment for us. They have a good understanding of successful markets around the country.
“The consultant’s findings have convinced us that the market has a great future and the architect’s eye-catching illustration shows what could be achieved, with further design work to follow. More than that, the new market will be a catalyst to regenerate Cheadle town centre and encourage new businesses to set up.
“We also hope this will eventually become a destination in its own right, just as Leek’s re-developed Market Halls has successfully become after opening last winter.”
Since acquiring the market, the council has repaired outdoor stalls, installed bollards, introduced a stall booking system and ensured the site meets health, safety and fire regulations.
Detailed designs and cost estimates are now being developed, with updates expected in the coming months.
