Market redevelopment
Leicester is home to one of the most historic markets in the country that is attracting even more attentions for its new food hall, which opened in 2014 as part of a £9.2million redevelopment.
Framed by the old Corn Exchange, Leicester’s covered market has a trading history that stretches back more than 700 years on the same site at the heart of the city. Still operating six days a week with more than 100 stalls, the market offers a fantastic selection of fresh fruit and veg sitting cheek to cheek with flowers, fabrics, confectionery and jewellery.
The market is attracting even more attention now thanks to the award winning new food hall which opened in 2014. Nestling gently against the side of the Corn Exchange and framed by massive glulam roof beams the light and airy space has become a favourite for Leicester shoppers. Open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, the 5,500 square ft hall has eight stalls stocked with an array of fresh meat, fish, seafood, game and poultry, as well as artisan cheese, fresh bread, cooked meats and other delicatessen favourites.
The overarching market redevelopment plan replaced the former run-down indoor market which sat to the rear of the Corn Exchange with a high quality new public square. The multi-functional space now stages specialist markets, festivals and other events that drive footfall and is already attracting new cafés, bars and businesses. Work is being completed to the square in 2019, which will also see the final upgrades to all the roads and footpaths surrounding the market area and the creation of new pedestrian links between the Market and the Town Hall Square.
What's next?
Our next project is the redevelopment of the outdoor market itself, which will start later in 2019. Redecoration, better signage and branding throughout will create a more vibrant, exciting place to shop whilst retaining the atmosphere, quirkiness and old-world charm that people love.
The lighting scheme will be overhauled to improve product display, new trading units will be created, and the canopy awning replaced. New facilities will keep waste management and recycling areas out of public view and the cleaning regime will be enhanced to keep the market fresh and welcoming at all times.