£390,000 earmarked for markets investment
Newcastle’s historic market is to receive significant investment to maintain its place in the heart of the town.
Refurbished stalls, part of High Street remodelled and rent-free stalls for traders on Mondays are all included in the £390,000 proposal by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.
If approved, all the work will be scheduled for completion by next spring.
Stephen Sweeney, Deputy Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Cabinet member for Finance, Town Centres and Growth, said:
This market has been at the heart of Newcastle’s daily life for centuries and we are determined it maintains a central role.
This significant investment will support traders seven days a week and is part of our wider investment in and regeneration of the town centre economy.”
Funding comes from the authority’s successful bid to the Government’s Future High Street Fund.
The town offers general markets on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, antiques markets on Tuesdays and Thursdays and specialist events on 24 Sundays throughout the year.
Proposals include new removable stalls at the lower end of the High Street, refurbishment of the others and improving the public space, including the creation of an entertainment and event area.
The same number of pitches would be available for the busier markets and other work would include four parking bays for very short stays, a digital screen for advertising and screening events – and creating a public space running through the centre of lower High Street.
Jonathan Hill and his son Ben own Piccoloco. Jonathan began selling coffee from a converted Piaggio Apé, and more recently a converted Horse Trailer, on the market in February 2020. Ben joined the business in 2022 and due to the ongoing success, they are now opening a Specialty Coffee Shop later this month, just a few yards away on Hassell Street.
Jonathan said:
One of the reasons we have been successful is that we have been loyal to our customers by attending the market on consistent, regular basis. This has encouraged people to visit regularly which in turn helps to support other traders. Likewise, we have benefitted from other traders sending customers our way.
Some days are busier than others but although we are opening a shop, people still very much appreciate the market area and it is the hub of the town.
There are challenges here the same as for other places, but Newcastle needs this market every day, in order for the town to be successful and I’m all for investment in its future and supporting the small independents to help draw more shoppers in.”