Traders' new plan for market place redevelopment

Leicester's market place is awaiting redevelopment after the original plans were paused

Market traders in Leicester have put forward their own plan to redevelop the city's historic market place.

City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby put a pause on a £7.5m redevelopment there in May, as clearing of the site, he said, prompted calls for it to remain an open space.

But the traders, who have been moved to a temporary site on Green Dragon Square, became concerned they would never return to their traditional spot.

Now they have created a proposal which allows both the return of the market and open space at the market place.

Plans are at a very early stage but they include placing permanent market stalls in front of the existing Food Hall, next to the historic Corn Exchange building, near Cheapside, while keeping open space in the rest of the market place, which can be used flexibly.

Other options being considered for the site include going ahead with the already approved £7.5m revamp, retaining the market place as open space and making the Green Dragon Square temporary market permanent; or moving the market to a site nearer Cank Street, once other buildings have been cleared.

Sir Peter has thanked the traders for their proposal which he called a "very constructive way forward".

He has asked officers to "work with architects on how it might be achieved".

Further consultation with traders and the public is expected before any final decision is made.

Market trader Odel Pittard said: "We have come up with a plan to move the market back to its orginal location and to put us all onto Cheapside.

"That would give Peter Soulsby at least 2,000 square metres. That gives him space to do his vision but keeps Leicester market where it belongs.

"That would keep us all happy, business would improve and there would be a lot more footfall."

Mrs Pittard said the temporary market at Green Dragon Square was not suitable as a permanent site.

Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.