Traders launch petition against planned market move

The council said the removal of the old market structure has revealed quality architecture

Traders are calling on Leicester City Council to scrap plans to move the city's market from its historic home.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby announced last week he would be pausing the planned regeneration of the market to consider alternative uses for the site.

He said the removal of the market’s roof had revealed the “huge potential” of the space formerly occupied by the stalls.

Market traders have set up a petition opposing plans which could see them moved to another development in the Cank Street area of the city.

On Thursday, the mayor said demolition work had revealed the “huge potential” of the space and opened up views of the heritage buildings lining the square.

Instead, traders could be relocated to the planned Cank Street development - a box-park style area with food and retail hubs, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Market traders could be relocated to a new area near Cank Street

A petition, set up on Saturday by Pav Singh, who owns the Smokin Shack in the market, has been signed more than 550 times in three days.

He said: “We moved here with the promise from Peter Soulsby that we would be returning to our original location, which was going to be a lot better and more appealing and family friendly.

“The market has been part of everyone’s life, be it a trader, customer, or a member of the public simply passing through.

"To now be told the market will not be returning to its original location is very disappointing, disheartening, and extremely deceitful.”

Sir Peter said he has met with market traders to explain his "shift in thinking" and talk through ideas.

"While I fully appreciate their concerns about work being paused on site, I hope I was able to convey that I believe we have an opportunity to make a good scheme even better," he said.

“This new proposal would provide our market traders with the clean, contemporary and attractive market area they need – and provide the city with a striking open space that could become home to the Christmas ice rink, the summer beach, live performances, outdoor cinema, food and drink festivals, national celebrations, and even open-top bus parades for our brilliant sports clubs."

Sir Peter said work will be carried out to upgrade and refurbish the buildings surrounding the old market.

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