Bilston Market celebrated at national awards

Bilston Indoor Market clocked up 1.7 million visits in 2023

Traders and staff at Bilston Indoor Market are celebrating after being highly commended at the Great British Market Awards.

Judges praised the town's market for exhibiting “exceptional dedication and innovation in serving their local communities”.

The market has a long and proud history, with the market hall celebrating its 50th birthday last March.

With 88 stalls and 42 traders, it clocked up 1.7 million visits in 2023, an increase of 20% on 2022.

Meanwhile, Bilston's outdoor market is due to celebrate its 200th birthday this year, hosting 117 stalls.

Councillor Craig Collingswood said: "This is a marvellous accolade for Bilston Indoor Market and a real credit to the traders, the staff and the customers who all contribute to make this such a thriving and friendly place to shop.

“At a time when a number of indoor markets are closing, I am really happy to say that Bilston is still going strong and we have full occupancy on stalls in the indoor market as well as outdoor."

Major plans are currently under way at the market, with a planning application submitted for the redevelopment of the outdoor market.

The redevelopment, supported by £5.2m from the Town’s Fund, includes the enhancement of the entrance off the Black Country Route alongside reorganisation and refurbishment of the indoor and outdoor markets.

There will also be the introduction of new retail units and public toilets, the provision of a flexible space where events can be hosted, and a taller canopy to cover the stalls in the outdoor market.