The ever-popular monthly market events have returned to Barrow Market.
After the success of last month’s event, the October Market will take place in The Mall on Friday (4 October) from 10am until 4pm.
Guest traders will include Christine’s Kitchen, Bellyboy Blacksmith, Baker’s Choice, Morecambe Festival Toys, South Lakes Honey Company and Poppy Box.
The monthly markets have returned as Barrow Market traders settle into their fantastic new home while work starts on the multi-million pound rejuvenation of the Market Hall.
Retaining their reputation for excellent choice, value for money and great customer service in a specially-designed, modern space some traders have moved to refurbished units in the Mall, facing Dalton Road. The remainder will be in units within the former Meat Hall, however work is still taking place here for a few more months. These traders are therefore in special units in the outdoor market on Portland Walk for the time being. During the main refurbishment works on the Market Hall, the Meat Hall will remain open, however access will only be from Dalton Road.
The new units opened for business on Monday 12 August. It is estimated that the work in the Market Hall will take two years to complete.
Councillor Virginia Taylor, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Communities and Localities, said: "I am so pleased that the traders are settling in well to their new surroundings. It has been heartening to see everybody work together to support our vision and make the temporary market a success. The monthly markets will be a great addition and I hope as many people as possible go along to support their market, or check it out if they have not been for a while.
"When the work on the Market Hall has finished we will have a tremendous facility which the town can be proud of and contribute to the town's future prosperity and sustainability. We understand the challenges for the traders caused by the closure of the market hall while the refurbishment is carried out and thank them for their support and co-operation, and buying into our long-term vision for Barrow Market to be a vibrant and successful part of a reinvigorated town centre.
"There is a real and emerging sense of positivity around Barrow town centre. Our new temporary market with easy access off Dalton Road, and thereafter the revitalised Market Hall itself, will demonstrate our commitment to support a town centre people can be proud of and that everyone wants to visit."
The work is part of a £17.5 million government-funded scheme to reinvigorate the Market Hall, neighbouring arts and entertainment venue The Forum and the public realm that surrounds it to attract more people into the town centre, bringing the community together and boosting the local economy.
As well as transforming the market and The Forum, a Town Centre Community Hub will be created within the Market Hall which will offer a welcoming new refurbished space which showcases local culture, activities and events, and provide meeting space.
The creation of a pocket park/outdoor events space off Dalton Road where three buildings were demolished will enable the delivery of a programme of events to encourage community participation and increase of the number of visitors to the town.