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.

Preston reacted to the new space in a largely positive manner – you can read the comments at the bottom of this page.

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.

More: Hundreds flock as new market opens for first time

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.

“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.”

Wow our New market hall looking good

— Mr Dave (@MrDavePNE) February 12, 2018

@blogpreston @prestonmarkets very impressed with all this today. Looks splendid. pic.twitter.com/TLG9dm5wqv

— MWhit (@MooMooMosschops) February 12, 2018

Brilliant opening of our new market hall @prestonmarkets this AM. Traders with great stalls and 100s of people queuing to get in at 10. Such a great success. No @BBCLancashire though. They came at 6! What they missed!! #PrestonMarkets

— Peter Rankin (@pcc_leader) February 12, 2018

Just had a look around the new @prestonmarkets – mega impressed pic.twitter.com/piOLISu33D

— Luke Beardsworth (@LukeBeardsworth) February 12, 2018

There were also comments on our Facebook page.

One user said: “Having used the market at least twice a week since moving here two years back, the changes are brilliant, a light airy space, moves the market forward.

More: Why we must use it or lose it with Preston Markets

“You will always get the moaner and doubters, but most of them have never and will never shop there.”

Another said: “It looks wonderful. Good luck everyone.”

The complaints that were present focused on how busy it was and that some of the traders had yet to move in.

Why’s it not finished, barriers and workmen should all be out by now. Looks good though

— matt lane (@sapper1447) February 12, 2018