Preston’s brand new Market Hall opened for the first time this morning (February 12).
Hundreds flocked to see the doors open underneath the recently renovated Victorian canopy.
A number of traders have made the jump from Preston’s Indoor Market with butchers, fishmongers, cooked meat, real ale and cheese sellers among those already operating.
Councillor Robert Boswell, deputy leader at Preston City Council, said: “The wait is finally over and the doors are open. This magnificent structure propels Preston Markets well and truly into the twenty-first century, whilst being sympathetic to its heritage.
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“New and familiar traders will provide fresh, local produce from their new home so please shop local and support them. Over the coming days and weeks more stalls will be ready to open and give you a warm welcome.”
Sam Livesey, Chairman of the Preston Market Traders Association, added: “We can’t believe we are finally here! We’re delighted to have moved and very excited to welcome customers and traders to our new Market Hall.”
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A number of traders are yet to open in the new Market Hall, including an Indian food trader, the Guild Ale House bar and a coffee shop.
Over the coming weekends, the Market Hall will play host to live music performances.
These will take place each Saturday from February 17 until March 10 between 11am and 3pm.
Preston’s Indoor Market closed for the final time on Saturday (February 10) as traders prepared to move to the new structure.
The changes will also see a new box market in operation under the Fish Market canopy.