The much-loved Knutsford Market Hall officially re-opened its doors on May 10th after a significant refurbishment, its first major upgrade since the 1980s.
The revitalised space, part funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund has created a brighter, warmer, and more inviting experience for traders, visitors, and residents.
Local contractor Built by Mode was contracted to deliver the programme of improvement works which included removing the old, suspended ceiling, levelling the floor and installing a new toilet, storeroom and kitchenette. All existing stall structures were removed and a new suite of permanent stalls created around the edge of the space, leaving the centre of the hall for pop-up traders and events.
Re-opening the market was one of the last duties carried out by outgoing Town Mayor, Cllr Colin Banks. Colin said, “I was delighted to formally re-open the market hall. It was wonderful to see the traders in their new stalls and welcome both familiar and new faces back to the market. The market is now a much more welcoming space offering customers a varied shopping experience in the heart of our town. Please shop small and local.”
Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said, “We are delighted that the market has re-opened and is now a warm more comfortable space for our traders and customers alike. Over the coming months, we hope to host a number of additional pop-ups and events, and we urge everyone to visit the hall and discover what is new.”
The newly re-opened market hall welcomes new ventures such as Polka Bakery, Thai Kitchen and Cheshire Party Store. These have joined familiar faces such as The Market Café, Market Hall Barber, Slipped Discs, Market Hall Butcher and Deli, and Knutsford Mobile.
Cheshire Party Store is the new venture of Simon and Melanie Naylor of the Knutsford Art and Stationery Shop.
Sandra added “The Town Council is proud to provide the Market Hall as a space to support small businesses. By offering competitive rents, the market hall provides a valuable platform for businesses to grow without the high overheads of a high street location. We invite anyone interested in trading with us to get in touch.”
The central section of the market can also be hired by small businesses offering a variety of choice to the consumer. During the launch this space was utilised by Flower and Twine Co, The Kokedama Llama, A Passion for Learning, Made with Love by Lise, and Hot Cocoa. Hot Cocoa hopes to have regular pop-ups in the market hall pending her move to new premises on King Street. The hall can also be hired for events, community and interest groups outside of trading hours.
The Town Council is currently looking for a new fruit and veg stall operator as Heathfields, who previously traded from the space, decided not to return to the new market hall.
Knutsford Market Hall is open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9am. If you wish to trade at the market hall you can apply here – https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/market-hall/trade
