New Gorton Market to open in summer 2008

Work has started to create a new market hall in the former Co-Operative building on Garratt Way in Gorton, east Manchester.

The building will be renovated at a cost of £1.7m creating 25, 000 sq ft of retail space, enough to accommodate 74 stalls and a shop unit for the chemist which will relocate from the existing market.

The market hall is part of a 9.5-acre retail scheme for Gorton which will include a Tesco Extra, being delivered by Ask Developments.

All traders from the existing Gorton Market will be encouraged to apply to relocate their business to the new building. The current market will remain in operation until the new market hall is completed in summer 2008. In addition, new traders will also have the opportunity to apply for accommodation in the new facility.

Gorton Market will continue to have a strong food offer, one of the main draws of the existing market and Manchester Markets will be increasing the availability of hot and cold food for shoppers to either eat-in or take away. There will also be a wide range of consumer goods, fashion and other non-food stalls.

Cllr Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "We are giving this redundant building a new lease of life. We want to offer a traditional market environment in 21st Century surroundings. By building up the products available, the market will become a popular destination for shoppers, offering a thriving retail hub where people can shop locally and feel they're getting real value for money."

Sheila Goodwin, who has traded at Gorton Outdoor Market since 1982 with her footwear stall Goody Two Shoes, said: "I can't wait to move. People have a new way of shopping and this market will suit their requirements. We should gain from the footfall of Tesco and I think people will enjoy coming into the new market to browse and meet up with friends as well as buying goods."