Loughborough’s historic market has invested in the future after taking delivery of new stalls for its traders.

The market, which has operated for over 800 years and is now run by Charnwood Borough Council, has replaced 69 stalls with new robust designs which include colourful canopies. The new designs will mean fewer markets will need to be reduced or cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

The new stalls are one element of the wider Living Loughborough project which is benefitting from Loughborough Town Deal funding worth £2.87 million. The delivery of the new stalls has been led by Charnwood Borough Council.

Councillor Jennifer Tillotson, the Council’s lead member for economic development, regeneration and town centres, said:

“It fantastic to see this investment from the Loughborough Town Deal go into our famous market here in Loughborough."

“These new stalls will allow us to expand our events calendar with more specialist markets and events which are enjoyed by many visitors and increase footfall within the town centre."

“Already, new traders have approached us about wanting to come and join Loughborough’s markets as they recognise the quality of the new stalls and our ever-growing reputation for delivering great markets."

“We have received positive feedback from our existing traders and it is a really exciting time to see these new stalls in place. They look great and further boost the buzz there is in Loughborough when markets take place.”

Martin Traynor OBE, Chair of Loughborough Town Deal, said:

“Loughborough's markets are an important part of the town's retail offer which also attracts many visitors from around the region. This investment by Loughborough Town Deal significantly improves both the appearance and the quality of the market stalls."

“The Living Loughborough project is improving the town centre in many different ways and these new market stalls are just another element of where this project is delivering real benefits for Loughborough."

"I was really pleased that we were able to procure these new stalls from a company based in Charnwood.”

Steph Smith, a trader on Loughborough’s retail market, said:

“These new stalls are a real improvement, are much better for traders to use and I am really pleased to see this investment in Loughborough Market.”

There are 69 new stalls, replacing the previous models which were vulnerable to bad weather and less user friendly.

The new stalls are made of galvanized steel and are heavier. They are still movable when different layouts are needed or for when the stalls need removing for other town centre events.

New canopies featuring the markets logo complement the steel structures, which reference to the when the market was first founded in 1221.

Lighting will also be installed on all the stalls later this year. This will allow events to take place during the evening including the Christmas lights switch-on. There will be new back-drops for the stalls which will protect traders and their goods.

The stalls were made by Springfield Pressings in Thurmaston and managing director, Tim Holt said:

“It has been a great project for Springfield to have been involved with from the design to manufacture and installation of the new stalls, also it has been a great pleasure to have worked with the Loughborough markets team."

“Living in Charnwood myself, it has given me a great sense of pleasure to give something back to the local community of Loughborough and the surrounding villages."

“I can already see what the new stalls will bring to the town and its residents. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in this project especially my staff for making it happen on time.”

Loughborough Markets’ Thursday and Saturday retail street markets are among the largest in the area and steeped in 800 years of history. Every Friday, a Vintage and Collectors Market takes place in Loughborough and a micro-market in Shepshed.

The Council is also bringing more and more specialist markets to the heart of Loughborough. There was recently a new Kickstart Market and more specialist markets are due to be announced soon.

Loughborough Town Deal secured £16.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund and is backing 11 projects, which in total are worth more than £40 million of investment for the town.

The Living Loughborough project supported by the Town Deal includes:

• The introduction of new interactive digital trails to encourage people to explore the town centre and its heritage. The trails feature augmented reality which means they will be able to ‘see into the past’ using a mobile phone app.

• Holding more events.

• Digital signage to showcase local events and information.

• Investment in Loughborough Markets.

• Addition of a covered area in Southfields Park to hold events.

• The expansion of CCTV cameras in four locations to improve public safety.

• The creation of a new post with Love Loughborough to support crime reduction in the town centre including the purchase of 100 new radios for traders as part of the retail radio scheme.

• More 1-2-1 support for businesses on topics including using digital technology and marketing.

• Improvements to Queen’s Park including to the entrances from Granby Street and Granby Street car park, the addition of new information points, new lighting to the bandstand and improved lighting of the Carillon Tower.

• The expansion of free public wi-fi in the town centre to include Ward’s End, Devonshire Square, Bedford Square and Queen’s Park.

Photo shows left to right: Charles Bentley, Loughborough Town Deal board member, Martin Traynor MBE, chair of Loughborough Town Deal, Cllr Deborah Taylor, Loughborough Town Deal board member, Lez Cope-Newman, Loughborough Town Deal board member and Cllr Jennifer Tillotson, the Council's lead member for economic development, regeneration and town centres