New Bilston Market set to open for business

The new multi-million-pound Bilston outdoor market is on track to be completed by the end of this month (June).

Contractor, Speller Metcalfe, will formally hand the market back to City of Wolverhampton Council on Thursday 25 June after delivering the redevelopment works.

The final day of trading for the temporary outdoor market on the High Street will be Monday 29 June, with traders set to open for business in their new look home on the next market trading day, Thursday 2 July.

The market boasts a new canopy to better protect traders from bad weather, easier access, upgraded toilets, enhanced stalls, a flexible events space, new signage, taxi drop-off and improved public areas.

More than £8 million has been invested in the scheme through a combination of Government and council funding.

The events space will be used for the first time on Saturday 11 July to hold a celebration event officially marking the opening of the new market.

Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, said: “The opening will be a memorable milestone not only for our historic market but also for the town of Bilston.

“I’m proud this council has delivered what is the first class, improved and modern market that we promised traders, making it even better for them and their customers.

“We can now all enjoy the absolute best market in the West Midlands with more modern, more accessible and more vibrant spaces for traders and the local community.”

Cabinet Member for Resident Services, Cllr Bhupinder Gakhal, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Cllr Stephen Simkins and Cabinet Member for City Transport, Cllr Qaiser Azeem at Bilston market

Bilston outdoor market trader, Julie Emery of JD Produce, selling fruit and veg, said: “I have enjoyed our time on the high street, but I am now very excited to move to our fabulous new market.

“The new market is looking great and we’re hearing lots of positive comments from the public who are keen to visit us when we return to our original outdoor site.”

Councillor Qaiser Azeem, the council’s Cabinet Member for Resident Services, said: “The new market will offer customers an outstanding community shopping experience and provide our dedicated traders with the wonderful facilities they deserve.

“I’d like to thank the outdoor and indoor traders for their support and patience throughout the redevelopment works: they can now look forward to reaping the rewards.

“This is, of course, just the first phase of our multi-million-pound investment in Bilston. There’s lots more to come that will complement and enhance the new market; Black Country Route public realm improvements, High Street Link scheme, £20million Pride in Place programme, which we are working closely with local residents on to spend on projects around the town, and construction of a new Health & Wellbeing facility next to the leisure centre.”

Rob Lashford, regional director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “It’s fantastic to see works at Bilston Market nearing completion. The team have worked hard alongside City of Wolverhampton Council to create a space that has already supported the local community through social value activity and will make a real difference once it opens.”

Bilston Market opens on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, between 8.30am and 4pm each day.