Traders still being sought for new outdoor market as revamp starts to take shape
TRADERS are still being sought for Coalville’s new outdoor market area – despite millions being spent on the major scheme.
Officials strongly believe it will transform the town, but many residents have labelled the work “absolutely ridiculous”.
The Marlborough Square project, which is being led by North West Leicestershire District Council, aims to make the square a new hub for markets and events.
In all, £2.7 million is being spent on the scheme to pedestrianise the area’s former car park and redevelop the square with new seating and LED lighting.
Latest work has seen paving and kerbs for the central market hub area installed, but the council admitted it is still seeking traders for the market.
Alongside a picture of progress, the council said it was “working on developing a regular outdoor market” for the square and was keenly searching for a “range of traders” to use the space.
It said once complete, the redeveloped area would add to work in Marlborough Square which includes a new indoor market, replacing the one next to Belvoir Shopping Centre.
Council officials hope the new outdoor market area will transform the square, but the cost of the project is a long-standing complaint.
The council’s latest admission has now sparked further concern from Coalville residents who had previously labelled the project a “waste of money”.
On social media, several wondered how the market would work if traders were still being sought.
One said: “So you are building an outdoor market space, but haven’t signed up any traders ready to start when it’s finished. What happens if no one wants to trade there?”
A second said: “Wouldn’t you think that research would have been
done first, to prove there is demand for a market, before spending all the money and then asking if anyone wants to stand there?”
However, some residents support the scheme and believe it will benefit Coalville.
One said: “I am excited to see this done. It will be a great lift for the area.”
Another resident said: “Coming on nicely. Redesigning the space for people, not traffic.”
Speaking previously, council leader Richard Blunt, said: “The redesign of Marlborough Square is a really high-profile project that, together with council investment in key buildings around the square, will make a huge difference to the area once it’s complete.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the square change, become more people-friendly and start to host regular markets and events.”
The project is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.
■■Any traders interested in taking up a weekly slot on Coalville’s future outdoor market should email: