Wolverhampton Market grand opening days away as traders prepare to move in
The new £4.9 million Wolverhampton market is on course to open in 18 days time despite the discovery of ancient human remains stalling work.
Arrangements are being finalised for a ‘spectacular’ official opening event on the weekend after the new Wolverhampton market is launched on Tuesday, July 17.
The city council is relocating the stalls from Market Square, where traders will operate from for the final time tomorrow.
They will be moving to their new home at Southside, boasting 20 cabins and 48 stalls along Cleveland Street.
Building work was halted almost two months ago when contractors discovered ancient human remains on the site, and the planned opening of the market was thrown into doubt.
But Councillor Steve Evans, the council’s cabinet member for city environment, said he was delighted to confirm plans are still on track.
“The current market traders have been accommodated and we expect occupancy at the new market to be close to 100 per cent once it is open,” he said.
“The addition of new traders will provide a more varied range of sales lines to differentiate it from a traditional market offer.
“The new market, partly funded by the sale of Market Square as part of the Westside scheme, has loads of potential – and we want this to be the people’s market, where events are also encouraged.
“It will prove a major asset to the city centre.”
Following the discovery of the remains back in May, an archaeological investigation found they were ancient – possibly dating back to the 18th Century where a chapel once stood on the site.
The council ended up finding 12 separate remains that they needed to move from the area, and the opening date of the market looked like it could be pushed back.
However, earlier this month staff confirmed the remains had been removed, to be re-buried at one of the city’s cemeteries, and that the new attraction was still set to open on time.
Once it launches next month, the market will feature bigger cabins, event space, CCTV, free WiFi, canopy covered walkways, offices, customer toilets, and comprehensive parking and storage facilities.
It is also expected to bring an increase in visitors from the Wulfrun Centre and transport Interchange.
The Market Square location is to be absorbed into the new £55m leisure-led Westside development by developer Urban&Civic.
This will deliver a multi screen cinema, restaurants, bars, hotel, multi-storey car park, apartments, and public realm to the heart of the city centre, in two phases, over five years.
