Preston Market traders to get three months rent free

Inside the Preston Market Hall Pic: Tony Worrall

Traders at Preston Markets are to receive three months rent free to help with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Preston City Council says it’s giving the rent relief to enable fresh produce traders to continue to provide their essential services during lockdown, and to help those traders currently closed to return to their businesses in the near future.

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Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council, said: “As a council we are pleased to offer the traders this rent relief, supporting their individual business, while ensuring a positive future for Preston Markets.

“I would like to say a big thank you to the traders who are able to continue to operate at this difficult time, offering essential fresh produce to the people of Preston, this is greatly appreciated by both myself and all your customers.

“I would encourage everyone in Preston to continue to shop local and support our independent businesses who are anchored in our community during this unparalleled time.”

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Sam Livesey, Head of the Traders Association at Preston Markets said: “The three month rent relief from Preston City Council is greatly appreciated by all traders at this difficult time. It means that the fresh produce traders who are still open can continue to serve and deliver local, fresh food to the people of Preston.

“This rent free period also means the traders who are unfortunately currently closed, will be able to return to their thriving businesses when it is safe to do so.

“Myself and all of my fellow traders really appreciate all the support Preston Markets has received during these unprecedented times and look forward to when the Markets are fully re-opened.”

Other businesses occupying Preston City Council premises on short-term agreements in the city centre will also benefit from the three-month rent free period. The Council will also consider providing assistance to businesses occupying Council premises outside the city centre.

Preston City Council is advising businesses to reach out for Government support during this difficult time, including business rate relief and business grant support.

If you are a Council business tenant and your business is unable to open or has been badly affected by coronavirus, you can email Preston City Council at PropertyServices@Preston.gov.uk.

What do you think of the rent free period? Are you still buying from the market traders? Let us know in the comments.