Inside how Preston’s new look Indoor Market may be presented

An important step in moving Preston’s Market from inside to outside has been secured.

Planning permission for a new market hall, under the cover of the city’s grade-II listed Covered Market, is granted.

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Preston City Council wants to demolish the current Indoor Market building, car park and part of Lancastria House to make way for a new cinema and markets development.

The new market plans show space for 25 permanent traders and a new ‘box market’ under the Fish Market canopy.

Read more: We want local firm for £4m markets work

Cabinet member for environment and community councillor Robert Boswell said: “This wonderful design for our new market hall is a credit to the architects. It strikes absolutely the right note creating a modern, innovative structure that will enhance the use of the stunning historic market canopy. The building will provide a great setting for the new indoor market both for our market traders to trade from and for the people of Preston to shop, eat and spend some time in.

“Together with the on-going refurbishment of the market canopies and the upgrading of the outdoor market, our market plans are really taking shape. This is great news for Preston and brings us another step closer to realising the vision for the Markets Quarter.”

The Market canopy lit at night

The £50m Markets Quarter includes an 11-screen cinema and seven family restaurants in place of the current indoor market.

Read more: Why free parking under markets canopy is being scrapped

Restoration work on the market canopy has begun in recent weeks and the new indoor market is due to be started in early 2017.

What do you think of the markets plan? Do you shop at the market? Let us know in the comments below