New market on the way for Stafford
A new market with more than 50 stalls is on its way to Stafford. Traders will set up in Market Square outside the historic Shire Hall on April 27.
It is hoped the event will help to rejuvenate the town centre.
The market has been scheduled as a one-off event but organisers, Bescot Promotions, said if it is successful the long-term aim is to make it a permanent fixture. Steve Evans, managing director at the company, said: "We are general market specialists so there will be a range of goods from fruit and veg, clothing to a butcher.
"We have been looking to set up in Stafford for a while and after approaching the council they are allowing us to put the market on the 27th to see what it looks like and how people take to it.
"The market is very much a trial at this stage.
"But the ambition is to have a permanent market in the town, absolutely."
Mr Evans confirmed that a lot of traders have taken up stalls slots already – and more than 50 are expected to be put up on the day.
Some stallholders from the town's indoor market, which is shut on Wednesdays, are also taking up the opportunity to set up outside.
The £70 million investment to rejuvenate the Riverside part of town has already seen the opening of a 1,000-space multi-storey car park.
It is hoped that a new permanent market in the town would help drive and maintain footfall at the other end of Greengate Street, and complement the existing indoor market in Earl Street, rather than compete with it.
Mr Evans added: "We have had a lot of calls from people saying this is just what Stafford needs.
"It is part of the regeneration of that part of town. It will drive footfall in that area and pull people into the town.
"That's what markets do. It will have a knock-on effect which will benefit the other shops."
Robert Gatensbury, economic regeneration manager at Stafford Borough Council, said: "We're hoping this will prove a welcome addition to the town centre, bringing in shoppers and boosting trade.
"Taking place on a Wednesday means it is a non-trading day for the indoor market and we're encouraging stallholders from there as well as others to take part.
"It is a trial event and the intention is to make the northern part of the town centre attractive and lively. If it is a success, more will follow."
Bescot Promotions are predominantly Black Country based, with markets at Walsall's Banks's Stadium, Darlaston, Halesowen, Tipton, Willenhall and Wednesbury.
