Work begins on £3m Crewe market refurbishment scheme

Work has begun on a £3m project to transform Crewe Market Hall, with potential traders urged to register their interest in the scheme now.

Building work to refurbish and remodel the Grade II listed building got underway at the beginning of June as part of a total £50m programme of investment in Crewe town centre.

Opening six days a week, with a new commercial operator, the refurbished Market Hall will be brimming with high-quality, fresh food and independent eateries and retailers, while also featuring pop-up stalls and events.

There will be a regular programme of activities and demonstrations and flexibility for the building to be opened up during the evening for events, entertainment and other themed activities.

With a planned opening date of summer 2020, Cheshire East Council is seeking expressions of interest from potential traders, who are keen to be part of Crewe’s exciting future and want to set up shop in this attractive building.

Councillor Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: “Crewe is a town that’s very much growing and the refurbishment and remodelling of Market Hall will play an important role in the town repositioning itself as a prime leisure and retail destination.

“We want to hear from traders who believe in our vision for the Market Hall and want to see it, and the town, thrive as much as we do – whether that’s an artisan wanting to retail their products, a sole trader wanting to take the next step, or an established trader looking to expand or relocate to a prime new spot.”

The refurbishment will see the Victorian building’s large archways opened up as entrances and fitted with glazed doors, while external repairs will be made to the brickwork.

The interior will undergo a complete redecoration and remodelling, with the existing stalls replaced with units more in keeping with the building’s rich history, alongside the amenities that modern traders require.

There will be 22 new permanent stalls, a further 12 regularly-changing pop-up stalls, event space and fully renovated and extended toilet facilities – all complemented by new flooring, electrics, heating and lighting throughout the building.

Potential traders can find out more and register their interest in the scheme by visiting: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/crewemarkethall and clicking through to the online form.

Details submitted via the webform will also be passed to a new markets operator, which will be appointed by the council in the near future.

Cllr Mannion said: “We will shortly be beginning our procurement exercise to find a new operator that shares our vision for Crewe’s markets and the role they will play in the town centre’s wider regeneration.

“The operator will be in place well in advance of the Market Hall’s grand opening and be responsible for making sure that it – and the rest of Crewe’s markets –becomes a prized asset in the town once more.

“They will work with traders to make sure that they play an important role in energising the markets and making the most of the town’s events programme.

“It will also be the operator’s role to ensure that the markets are well promoted – drawing in customers and spreading the word about everything that is on offer.”

Interested operators are invited to visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/crewemarkethallwhere they will then be directed to an e-tendering portal – which will soon feature the Crewe markets opportunity. Here they can register and sign up to receive notifications.

The Market Hall redevelopment project is part of the Crewe town centre regeneration programme, which is supported by £10m in funding from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership.

Further updates on the Market Hall scheme will be released by the council as work progresses.