TRADER EXCITEMENT AT NEW MARKET PLANS

Plans to refurbish Knutsford Market Hall in 2024 have been given the seal of approval from market traders.

Knutsford Town Council is planning a £700k refurbishment of the Market Hall, which was built in 1964. Following the announcement of £560k funding from the UK Government Community Ownership Fund, it has now been confirmed that a further grant of £160k has been secured from the Shared Prosperity Fund, managed by Cheshire East Council, ensuring the scheme is fully funded by grants.

Knutsford based Hive Architects are currently developing the planning application for the scheme which will create a naturally lit open plan market hall offering increased flexibility for the space.

Mike Brown of The Market Butcher is the longest serving trader at the Market Hall and spoke of his excitement at the plans:

“I have been a Knutsford Market trader since the nineties and am extremely excited about being part of the market's next chapter.  We've met with the Town Council not only about the plans for the new building but also our temporary move to 60 King Street.  2024 is the 60th anniversary of Knutsford Market Hall and what better way to celebrate than having new premises.  We can't wait to greet our existing customers and hopefully some new faces too!”

This excitement is shared by newer traders too. “We have been trading in the market hall since 2021 and have built a loyal base of customers during this time.  The plans for the new market hall are great offering a warmer and brighter environment for customers to not only stay and eat but dwell and discover everything we have to offer” said Bahattin Atar of The Market Café.

Market Traders had been invited to meet with the Town Council to receive a presentation on the plans and timescales. Traders were also briefed of plans to temporarily relocate the market traders into 60 King Street whilst works take place so they can continue in business throughout.

Whilst Nicky Facey of Nyxcat Crystals said:

“I joined the market this year and what a year to join!  We are looking forward to making the move to the re-vamped market and our temporary home in 60 King Street in the heart of Knutsford.  We know with re-developments such as this not everything will go according to plan but the traders are very much working in partnership with the council which is great.”

The improvement scheme is designed to ensure the continued sustainability of the Market Hall so it can continue to be a hub for small business in the centre of Knutsford. Proposals include creating a new glass frontage to flood the building with natural light and creating a more flexible central hall to allow community use when the market is closed. Existing traders will be guaranteed stalls in the refurbished market hall.

The council aims to submit a planning application before the end of the year.

A display of the plans and project updates will be installed in the Market in the new year.