Plymouth City Market to get £3m makeover
Plymouth’s City Market is to get a £3 million makeover as part of a major investment to help the city’s West End business.
Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets today announced the massive investment at Full Council.
The Council would be investing in the listed building, which is one of the busiest and most successful indoor markets in the country.
He said: “City Market is a massively importantly magnet for the West End and attracts shoppers who are buying local produce from local traders.
“We all need to do more to support some of the incredible businesses and as a Council, we are putting our money where our mouth is by investing in the building, so that shoppers can continue to enjoy it for years to come.
“It’s not just about shopping. The market has a crucial role for people looking to start up businesses. Its extremely reasonable rents mean that they can try out the business idea without breaking the bank. We’ve seen many people go on to have their own shops from a stall here"
The market has 144 main stalls and supports around 200 jobs. There is currently a waiting list of people wanting to test their market potential.
The work includes:
• Refurbishing the main roof, including the flat roof areas, creating an insulated layer
• Replacing roof north lights (north facing windows within the main roof structure)
• Replacing all the market windows including those on the upper and lower levels of the block and internal facing windows.
• Remedial work to the ceiling and internal areas of the market.
• Replacing fascias, soffits and rainwater pipes
• Refurbishing market floor
• Full redecoration inside and out
• Refurbishing and replacing outside cladding.
City Market, which was known as the Pannier Market until 2008, is a Grade II listed building made of reinforced concrete and designed by local architects Walls and Pearn. Built between 1957 and 1959 it has helped play an anchor role in the West End.
This is the latest investment in the market by the Council. Six months ago it is invested over £80,000 in transforming very dated toilet facilities.
Doug Fletcher, Chair of Plymouth’s City Centre Company, said: “Investment into the City Market has been needed for a long time and is one of the priorities of the City Centre Company in supporting the West End and driving footfall to that area of the city.
“We are extremely pleased that the Council supports the City Centre BID, that they've listened to our pleas and that they see the market as a major asset to our city, as we do. This is a prime example of why the City Centre Company exists and shows through advocacy and lobbying we can make a difference.”
