Plans to transform Wellington Market, safeguarding its future for the next 50 years have been unveiled to traders, and consultation around preferred locations and stall types has been carried out. Telford & Wrekin Council has secured significant government funding to invest into the market and is grasping this one-off opportunity to make it a venue which will meet the needs of generations to come.
Investment will be made into the fabric of the buildings, which had been neglected under previous ownerships, and the look, feel and operations of the market will be significantly improved.
Plans, which will retain the market’s original and historic Victorian features, include a new layout to maximise useable floor space, improve accessibility and the flow through the market as well as refurbished and expanded toilets. There will also be a permanent covered outdoor space for events and an enhanced food court to draw people into the market.
Experienced architects Group Ginger, who have been behind other successful market projects up and down the UK, will work alongside the contractor Pave Aways.
Sally Themans and Kate Gittins (former manager of award-winning Shrewsbury Market) have been engaged by Telford & Wrekin Council to lead on market trader engagement to make sure everyone’s voice is heard. Telford & Wrekin also want to ensure all traders can continue to trade during the refurbishment programme and will support those impacted by providing a rent-free period for the duration that any trader is temporarily moved during the works. “The market will remain open and trading and we urge the people of Wellington to continue to shop and support traders during the works – it’s very much ‘open for business’ – and we’ll make sure that there is signage to guide people to their favourite stalls,” Sally commented.
Traders will also be given a rental concession of 50% up to the point they are moved and an additional rental concession of 50% for the first six months of trading in their new permanent location.
Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council Leader, said, “Wellington Market is a jewel in the crown and an important part of Wellington’s history. This investment to address the significant property defects is essential otherwise the market’s future is in serious jeopardy. The works over the coming months to transform the market and make it fit-for-purpose are exciting times for Wellington as we see a revitalised market which people can be proud of and a place in the heart of the community where they can come to shop, eat and socialise.”