Work starts on £18m Moor market development

Date: 06/07/2012. Story submitted by: Gael Stigant

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Work on Sheffield’s new multi-million pound market hall was launched at a special event attended by the government’s markets minister.

Minister for Communities Andrew Stunell joined market traders and partners involved in the scheme to mark the imminent start of work on the Moor Market.

It's the only purpose-built new market under construction in the whole of Britain.

Mr Stunell, who is the government’s lead on local markets, said: “It’s really good to see the market get a new lease of life.

"After people almost losing faith that it was ever going to happen, here we are. It’s the start of a project which is a key part of regenerating this part of Sheffield.

“This is a very good day for Sheffield and it’s a symbolic day for markets. I’m looking forward to coming back in 492 days when it opens.”

The flagship development, which comprises a new market hall, up to eight retail units and a shared service yard, is expected to be completed in October 2013, with market traders opening their stalls the following month.

Ranald Phillips, of Scottish Widows Investment Partnership Property Trust, which has been working closely with Sheffield Council on the £18million redevelopment, said: “The new market and retail units are a major achievement for the city.

"For our part, it’s the first phase of a significant investment in a planned programme for the full length of the Moor.

“Our ambition is to reinstate the Moor to its former status as one of Sheffield’s finest shopping streets.”

Mick Cull, chairman of the Castle Market branch of the National Market Traders Federation, said traders were very excited about the development but still had concerns over rent, which is to increase after the move.

He said: “We have wanted a new market for 15-17 years and so we have no problems with the new market, we look forward to it.

“But we have a major scare in that our current rents are due to at least double in the new market.

"In the present climate when all the town centre is 15 to 25 per cent down in retail takings it’s scary to increase rents at that magnitude.”

But Coun Julie Dore, leader of the council, said the scheme is something the whole city can be proud of.

She said: “We’re having a very difficult economic time in this country and to show confidence in this great city of Sheffield means so much to everyone who lives here and works here.

"It’s testament of the dedication and commitment of all the team that has worked to get us to this point.

“We have an 800 year history of markets in Sheffield. Sheffield people love the markets.”

Additional info

Address: Eyre Street Sheffield S1 4HR

Tags: Sheffield City Council, Scottish Widows, Moor, Sheffield, Castle Market