New paving laid in latest phase of market revamp

New paving is being laid in the latest phase of a major revamp of Leicester Market.

City council officials said porphyry flagstones were now being put in place as part of the £9.4m project.

Officials said they were pressing on with the scheme in the hope it would be completed by the end of the year.

However, they have also approved a major revision of the project to increase the number of stalls in the new-look market from 48 to 72.

The council said the additional stalls would "enable a broader range of traders to be accommodated in the new market".

A city council report said the 72 stalls would be located near the market's food hall and would be demountable and movable - unlike their fixed predecessors, which were removed when the old covered market was demolished in 2024.

Officials said they wanted flexibility to be able to alter the layout of the new space.

Traders have been moved to a temporary market in Green Dragon Square while the revamp continues.

The council said it aimed to have the new market completed by the end of 2026 but was in discussion with traders about when it would be best for them to return.

Many traders have said they have struggled in the temporary location because of the disruption caused by the ongoing renovation of the area.

The council said it acknowledged the tough trading conditions and had waived stall holders' rents until the end of the year at a cost of £150,000.

Trader Tim Pole, from Sherwin's Cheese Company, said: "For the last four months, it's been terrible for us.

"We've lost a lot of business as people think we are shut so it's affected us big time."

Pole said he did think the removable stalls were a good idea.

"If the market doesn't work out, they could put something else on there," he said.

"They can put more up, they can take some down.

"It's got to be a benefit - better than what it's been for the last three years."

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