Fall in love with new look market after massive makeover

People living in and around Plymouth are being urged to fall in love with their market again after a major £3.5 million makeover.

A Grand Day Out is being organised for Saturday 30 September to mark the end of the refurbishment works on the listed building - and everyone is invited.

Market traders and the council hope people will take a fresh look at the distinctive building and all the stalls under its unique roof.

Leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Ian Bowyer said: "You can really see the difference. The interior is a lot brighter and airier and makes this important building a much better place to be in and to wander around.

“We wanted to invest in the market as it has played, and continues to play, such an important role in the retail life of the city. It’s where businesses start up and has an incredible sense of community. I hope people who live in and around Plymouth take a look for themselves and help support the local traders.

The Grade II listed building was designed by local architects Walls and Pearn and built between 1957 and 1959 it has helped play an anchor role in the West End.

Contractors Ryearch Ltd carried out the extensive refurbishment project over 12 months and including:

• recovering the concrete ‘wavey’ roof
• installing solar panelling
• installing a new lift
• additional ventilation and fire suppression to the cafes and fishmongers
• full internal redecoration
• new floor to the main hall
• replacing windows
• remodelling the entrances
• converting unused store to flexible business space
• staff toilet refurbishment
• new internal lighting
• converting day stalls to permanent stalls
• converting two washrooms to permanent stalls
• refurbishing the market office

Project manager John London said: “The whole project has gone pretty well. We worked with the contractors to make sure there was as little disruption as possible, including working out of hours. We’ve particularly had comments from people who are very pleased to see the new lift in as that’s made a real difference.”

The market has over a million visitors each year, making it one of the busiest and most successful markets in the country.

The Council is keen to support businesses in the market and the West End. It recently announced a makeover for the route in to the West End from Western Approach via Market Way.

Major projects are already underway in the City Centre and Waterfront area, including the regeneration of Millbay by English Cities Fund with over 400 homes, employment space, a new school, marina and restaurant now complete as well as outline consent for a further 600 homes, more leisure, retail, office, hotel development.

A new coach station has opened, work has started on the new £34 million Box – the city’s new history, arts and culture centre on North Hill and the first phase of demolition work at Colin Campbell Court in the West End has just finished as part of a long term regeneration scheme.

Also in the pipeline is a £27milion improvement programme designed to improve the public spaces in and around the city centre.

Follow the market for offers and happenings at www.plymouthcitymarket. co.uk, facebook/plymouthcitymarket, or on twitter @plymouthmarket

For more information about the Grand Day Out visit http://plymouthnewsroom.co.uk/join-plymouth-market-grand-day-september/

Anyone interested in taking a stall in the market should contact the team on 01752 306551.