Appeal for memories and photos of town's market

The market opened in September 1965

Visitors and customers of Shrewsbury Market Hall are being asked for their memories and photos of the building to become part of an exhibition marking its 60th anniversary.

The market opened on 16 September 1965 and was hailed as an example of "cutting-edge modern architecture", Shropshire Council said.

It replaced a 100-year-old Victorian market hall and now contains a shopping precinct, accommodation, a large, red brick clock tower and the award-winning Shrewsbury Indoor Market.

"Whether you love or hate the 1960s architecture, the market hall has played a significant role in the life and history of Shrewsbury over the past six decades," said Amy Williams, the tenant liaison manager.

The market was designed by David du Rieu Aberdeen and is jointly run by Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town Council.

It won the title of Britain's Favourite Market for the third year in a row in January and for a record fourth time overall.

"It is now a place well loved by people of the town and visitors alike for the award-winning market that thrives within it," Ms Williams said.

"Over the decades the market hall has been a place of enterprise, community and character.

"We're not only celebrating the market hall's history, we're celebrating the people who have worked here and the memories of customers who have visited over the years.

"The market has changed so much in each decade, so it would be great to include photos of how the market used to look in the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and noughties.

"We also want to hear individual stories from past traders and customers."

Memories or photos of the previous Victorian hall are also welcome, the council added.