Richard Stead News, Manchester
Traders have expressed concerns about how their businesses will cope during Leigh Indoor Market’s temporary relocation to a car park.
The refurbishment of the existing market hall is due to start in 2027, when traders will move their stalls to the Doctor’s Nook surface-level car park, opposite the town hall.
Wendy Shearer, who runs AB Pet Supplies, said: “It’s too far from the main bus station for some people and I’m just dreading it really.”
Wigan Council said: “We’re investing a lot of money in Leigh town centre and we will consult with the market traders next year.”
Leigh Indoor Market’s renovation will take place after more than £11m was secured from the previous government’s Levelling Up Fund.
Traders have said the existing roof leaks and buckets have to be used to collect dripping rainwater.
The repairs are expected to take up to a year, during which time the market will move to the Doctor’s Nook car park.
Michelle Farrimond, who runs the Forget Me Not florists, said: “We speak to our customers every day and they are telling us they won’t bother walking across the town.
“It’ll make a lot of difference to our customers if we’re not in the centre of the town.”
Julia Whalley, 76, has been selling perfume and cosmetics in Leigh for 50 years.
“It’s just so quiet over there,” she said of the proposed temporary market location. “There’s no car parking facilities and no bus station.”
The Levelling Up Fund grant will also be spent on the civic square in front of the town hall.
New seating will be installed while planters will also be added.
Additionally, the pavements on King Street will be widened and grants will also be available to improve shopfronts on streets like Bradshawgate.
David Molyneux, leader of Wigan Council, said: “You’re going to see a total redevelopment of the market and engagement with the traders will take place next year.
“We want to make sure that Leigh Indoor Market Hall is a building which is fit for the future and certainly the traders will be playing a big part in that.”
