Market traders' plea for support during works

Work on the redevelopment of Bilston Outdoor Market is under way

Market traders have called for people to support their local market while major refurbishment work takes place.

More than £8m is being invested by City of Wolverhampton Council in a major redevelopment of Bilston Outdoor Market.

It is an increase in budget of around £3m, due to parts of the project needing to be re-engineered.

Work on the scheme is now under way and once completed will give traders and customers better access, a new canopy, new toilets, stall improvements and upgraded public spaces.

Traders' representative Andrew Pritchard told a council meeting the authority's support was welcomed, but there was a need to help let people know the markets were still open for business as the work, set for completion in June 2026, continued.

'Best in the Midlands'

City of Wolverhampton Council leader Stephen Simkins held a meeting with traders where he announced a rent-free period between 22 December and 14 February.

This follows the council's announcement it has reduced the rent of all tenants by 25% for the duration of the works, as well as investing £15,000 in events and activities to boost footfall to support the market.

Simkins said: "Our investment means Bilston will have the very best market in the West Midlands.

"We've shown our commitment to the traders, not just by investing millions in the much-needed redevelopment, but also extra support to them as our tenants.

"This is all about boosting Bilston – improving the market and supporting the local economy."

Simkins added he would continue to hold regular sessions with traders throughout the works, where they can receive updates on the progress of the redevelopment and discuss plans or issues.