Market set to welcome customers after £8m revamp

8 hours ago

Clare LissamanWest Midlands

Trader Julie Emery is looking forward to returning to the site and being in the "fabulous" new market

BBC Woman wearing a bright pink coat and scarf smiling at the camera, stood in front of a fruit and veg stand. — Trader Julie Emery is looking forward to returning to the site and being in the "fabulous" new market

Traders are getting ready to welcome customers to Bilston's new outdoor market following its £8m refurbishment.

The site closed in September 2024 and traders were relocated to a temporary home for upgrades to the 200-year-old market.

It will open for its first day's trading from 08:00 BST on Thursday, under a new canopy at the venue that Wolverhampton Council leader Stephen Simkins described as "the absolute best market in the West Midlands".

The market's new flexible events space will be used for the first time on Saturday 11 July for a celebration opening event. Other improvements include enhanced stalls, easier access, a taxi drop off area and upgraded toilets.

The market's re-development was made possible through a combination of government and council funding, the authority added.

The market redevelopment was paid for by government and coucil funding

City of Wolverhampton Council A aerial view of the new-look Bilston outdoor market. There is a large canopy, car parks and other areas in view. — The market redevelopment was paid for by government and coucil funding

"I have enjoyed our time on the high street, but I am now very excited to move to our fabulous new market," said fruit and vegetables seller Julie Emery of JD Produce.

"The new market is looking great and we're hearing lots of positive comments from the public who are keen to visit us when we return to our original outdoor site."

'Milestone day'

Simkins said Thursday would be a "milestone day" for Bilston.

"I'm proud this council has delivered what is the first class, improved and modern market that we promised traders, making it even better for everyone," he said.

"We can now all enjoy the absolute best market in the West Midlands with more modern, more accessible and more vibrant spaces for traders and the local community."

The opening celebration event will be hosted by broadcaster Dicky Dodd and there will be cooking demonstrations by chef Glynn Purnell.

Family activities include K-Pop performances, circus show, Caribbean dance performances, balloon modelling and face painting.

Glynn Purnell will hold coooking demonstrations to help mark the opening

Jack Spicer Adams A man with short dark hair, a grey beard, black shirt with "The Mount by Glynn Purnell" on the left sleeve, sits and smiles at the camera. — Glynn Purnell will hold coooking demonstrations to help mark the opening

Qaiser Azeem, the council's cabinet member for resident services, thanked traders for their support and patience, and welcomed them to their new home.

"This is, of course, just the first phase of our multi-million-pound investment in Bilston," he said.

Projects to come would "complement and enhance the new market", including Black Country Route public realm improvements and the £20m Pride in Pace programme, Azeem added.

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