A new canopy to improve conditions for shoppers and traders on Preston Market is set to be installed next month.

Work will begin on the walkway canopy on August 3 and is expected to take around 10 weeks to complete, in time for the coldest winter months.

The canopy, which has been completely manufactured off-site, will be installed out of the Market’s trading hours to miniise disruption to the traders and customers.

It has been designed to retain heat within the Market Hall while still showing off the original Victorian canopy.

This follows the major capital investment scheme that was agreed by Council on 22 August 2019 to improve the conditions in the Market Hall.

The canopy will sit above the internal walkways between the stalls and improve the environment throughout the year to ensure it is a more comfortable for customers and traders.

The structure is fabricated of steel frames, infilled with clear panels, in order to maintain the visual appearance of the underside of the original 1875 canopy.

Councillor Robert Boswell, Cabinet Member for Environment at Preston City Council said: “This great news is the final step for the improvements to the Market Hall. The time scales work towards completion during the Autumnal months and in place for the busy festive period. “

“Preston Markets is full of excellent products and has remained open for the people of Preston during these tough few months. We need Prestonians to continue to support these local businesses and continue to Shop Local.” 

Sam Livesey, Chairman of the Traders Association at Preston Markets said: “This installation programme is welcomed by all the traders at Preston Markets. The plan means the canopy is in place before the colder months and there will be minimal disruption to our trade and customers.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported Preston Markets over the past few months and hope your support continues.”

David Palmer, Director of DP Structures who created the canopy, said: “We are looking forward to starting onsite at Preston Markets and getting the canopies installed as quickly as possible.

“I am glad we have been able to work with Preston City Council to create a plan which will minimize the disruption to the traders and customers at Preston Markets.

This canopy design aims to retain the heat in the Market Hall, while still be able to see the underside of the beautiful Victorian canopy.”