McGoff’s Urmston food hall approved

Construction on the £3.5m Market 41 is slated to begin in summer 2022.

Trafford Council signed off McGoff Group’s plans to convert the old outdoor market site into a 16,000 sq ft modular food hall and hotel on its 9 December.

The food hall has been in the works for years, with plans first lodged in 2018 before McGoff opted to rethink the proposal because of the Covid-19 pandemic. This newer application includes more open space to allow for social distancing.

The food hall had been tipped for approval by planning officers at Trafford Council last week.

Based in Altrincham, McGoff is now working on securing funding for the project, as well as contacting the food and beverage operator who had initially expressed interest in the scheme. McGoff said it would invite new traders to apply for spots in the food hall as well.

“We are delighted to finally receive approval for Market 41 and are looking forward to getting the business planning and funding discussions underway once more,” said McGoff director Chris McGoff.

“The last couple of years have presented unforeseen operational challenges across all sectors, including hospitality, forcing us to re-think how Market 41 would function in a post-pandemic world,” he continued.

“We are confident that the concept has been sufficiently future-proofed to reduce operational risk for all involved and are pleased to back on track with a project that will be of economic value to Urmston and economically viable for all involved whatever the future holds.”

The 16,000 sq ft modular building will also include a rooftop event area. Credit: via planning documents

Market 41 will be three storeys with a retractable roof. It will have a variety of cafes, restaurants and bars on its ground and first floors, with a 29-room “contactless” hotel taking space on the second floor. Plans also include a rooftop event area and dedicated areas for flexible working, artisan markets and private dining.

Architecture White Crate adapted original designs by Street Design Partnership for Market 41. Other members of the development team include Garner Town Planning, RS Acoustic Engineering and Paul Carr Design. Clancy Consulting is the flood risk and drainage strategy consultant, Amenity Tree Care is the arboriculture consultant, and SCP is the transport consultant.