Barrow Market will move to a new home next year.
It was hoped the multi-million-pound revamp of the market hall and Forum area would not see traders having to move out of the existing premises, but concerns were raised that there would be a reduction in footfall.
Asbestos will also have to be removed from the hall and Westmorland and Furness Council concluded it would be safer for staff, traders, and the general public not to be in the hall during the work.
A new temporary market will instead be created in units near The Mall facing on to Dalton Road and be available from April.
Traders will be given the opportunity to relocate to the newly-refurbished area of the market. Any traders who do not wish to be relocated will be supported and receive compensation, the authority said.
It is estimated that the revamp work will take two years to complete. The meat hall will remain open as planned, but with access only from Dalton Road.
Councillor Peter Thornton, cabinet member for highways and assets, said: “The relocation of the traders will ensure they can continue offering the same great service while giving them, customers and staff reassurance that they are safe, while still in an easily accessible location, with the added bonus of the project being completed up to 12 weeks sooner.
“We listened to the concerns and acted and I am sure the traders will enjoy their new home while the market hall is rejuvenated.”
The work is part of a once-in-a-generation £17.5 million Levelling Up Fund scheme to reinvigorate the Market Hall, neighbouring arts and entertainment venue The Forum and the public realm that surrounds it to attract more people into the town centre, bringing the community together and boosting the local economy.
A Town Centre Community Hub will be created within The Forum to offer a welcoming new refurbished space which showcases local culture, activities and events, provides meeting, makers and entrepreneurial space.
Public realm improvements on Duke Street and at the Portland walk entrance of Barrow Market Hall will help to make the town centre a more attractive, thriving and vibrant place for people to spend time and enjoy visiting.
A pocket park/outdoor events space at The Market Square will also be created.
Preparatory work for demolition has started in Dalton Road and will continue through to the end of January. Properties at 77/79, 81 and 83 Dalton Road, 10 Stephen Street and 1,2,3 and 4 The Ginnel are to be demolished to make way for the pocket park and enhanced public realm features.
Access will remain open between Dalton Road and Portland Walk over the Christmas period but will close in the new year, when demolition of the units in The Ginnel starts. Got It Covered will start trading from its new premises at 93 Dalton Road from January 9.
Meanwhile, a contract to undertake structural repairs to the Forum tower has been tendered and is due to be awarded soon. Work on that is due to start early in the new year.
Work on the asbestos removal has been delayed slightly but a contractor is now in place. The removal is scheduled to start in February and is due to be completed in the summer.
The procurement process has also started to tender for the main refurbishment. This contract is scheduled to be in place by January, with work on the detailed design process starting in February.
