Barrow Market traders are set to move into new temporary accommodation while work is carried out on the Market Hall.
The traders will start moving into the specially-created temporary market later in the summer, retaining their reputation for excellent choice, value for money and great customer service in a fantastic, modern space.
The temporary market will be in refurbished units in The Mall, facing on to Dalton Road.
Some traders will be located in the short-term in special units in the outdoor market in Portland Walk while temporary units in what was the Meat Hall are completed.
Details around the timing of the move will be released as soon as they are finalised.
Until they move the market hall is still open, with traders continuing to offer their excellent service, with the Portland Walk, Stephen Street and Duke Street entrances still in use.
It is estimated that the work will take two years to complete.
Aphinya Tarnprasart, known to all her customers as Tuk, has been running her stall Tuk’s Thai Foods on Barrow Market for 20 years.
She said she is looking forward to the changes ahead, and she will continue to sell her authentic products such as fish and oyster sauce, vinegars, Thai curry and frozen goods from the temporary market in The Mail while Market Hall is being renovated.
Tuk said: “I’m really quite excited about moving because I understand about the need to be redoing the market.
“I’m not sad to leave my stall after 20 years because I know when it’s finished it’s going to be really nice coming back to something completely different with a food court.
“A lot of customers have been telling me, ‘When you’re moving, let me know and if we’re free we’ll come and help you’. I feel my customers really care about me. It’s like a community or a family. We’ve just got to be patient for everything to be finished off and it will be worth it.”
Steph Cordon, Westmorland and Furness Council’s director of thriving communities, said: “We understand the effect the upheaval will have on traders and are totally committed to creating a temporary market which traders and customers will enjoy being in while the works are carried out.
“In the meantime, the market remains open with the great offer it has always had and the market traders look forward to continuing to serve their customers.”
Meanwhile, the rooftop car park will permanently close from July 1, following a review which found very low usage.
Alternative parking is available close by at Market Street behind the town hall.
Permit holders for the rooftop car park will be contacted by the council’s parking services team to discuss alternative arrangements.
