Barrow Market traders are settling in to their new home while work starts on the multi-million-pound revamp of the Market Hall.
Saturday was the last day of trading in Barrow Market and new units have opened for business today.
Some of the 20-plus traders will be in refurbished units in The Mall, facing Dalton Road.
The remainder will eventually be in units within the former Meat Hall, but as work is still taking place there for a few more months, they will be in units in the outdoor market on Portland Walk temporarily.
During the main refurbishment works on the Market Hall, the Meat Hall will remain open but access will only be from Dalton Road.
To mark the occasion a family celebration event has been organised in and around the new market on Wednesday, with an official opening to be carried out by the Mayor of Barrow. Between 11am and 2pm there will be live entertainment across The Mall and Portland Walk.
The work is part of a £17.5 million government-funded scheme to reinvigorate the Market Hall, neighbouring arts and entertainment venue The Forum and the surrounding public realm to attract more people into the town centre, bringing the community together and boosting the local economy.
It is estimated the work in the Market Hall will take two years to complete.
Steph Cordon, director of thriving communities at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “Our long-term vision of making Barrow Market a vibrant and successful part of a revitalised town centre through the Barrow Town Centre Regeneration Scheme has made it necessary to close the Market Hall but the temporary market is now open and is looking great.
“This council has made a commitment to working with partners and the community to help make Barrow town centre one that people can be proud of and that is a destination in its own right.
“There is already renewed positivity and energy in the heart of Barrow and projects such as the Market Hall improvements will further strengthen that.
“I urge everybody to go along and support the traders in their new, temporary home.”
As well as transforming the market and The Forum, a town centre community hub will be created within The Forum to showcase local culture, activities and events, and to provide meeting, makers’ and entrepreneurial space.
Public realm improvements on Duke Street and at the Portland Walk, plus a pocket park/outdoor events space at the market square are also planned.
