Operator appointed for Urmston’s Market 41

McGoff Group has confirmed WMC Retail Partners as operator for its indoor food hall next to Urmston market, working alongside Northern Restaurant & Bar Show chief executive Thom Hetherington.

London-based WMC was initially appointed by McGoff to work up a feasibility study for the market, but has now been chosen to develop a full business plan and to coordinate all aspects of the project, including lettings, layout, and legal agreements.

The proposed development is to include a mix of around 10 to 12 food and drink operators positioned around a 180-cover central seating area, akin to the successful Altrincham Market and Mackie Mayor in Manchester.

Hetherington has also been appointed by McGoff in a consultancy role on the project and will contribute to the “concept and design” of the building and the different potential occupiers.

He said: “Urmston is already a great place to live with bags of potential.  Combining well known high street names with an ever growing and popular blend of independents, it’s a place that’s definitely on the up and the perfect location for this new market hall which promises to provide an extra dynamic to the flourishing food and drink offering in the town.

“I look forward to contributing to the concept and design of the building and blend of food and drink operators focusing on local artisan traders to create a real point of difference.”

McGoff said work was likely to begin on the project later this year with a proposed opening date of early 2019. The site was acquired in August 2017, and outline planning permission has already been granted. Alongside the market hall, McGoff plans to build three five-bedroom houses.

Director Chris McGoff added: “The overall concept, blend of operators and operating framework are essential to getting this project right and I’m confident that with WMC and Thom on board we can create a fantastic new asset for Urmston that becomes a key part of the town.”

The professional team on the project also includes architect Street Design Partnership.