Historic market's transformation work starts

Businesses will remain open as usual while work takes place

Work has begun on a town's historic market to safeguard its future for the next 50 years.

Neglected buildings are being renovated and the layout redesigned at Wellington Market, while improvements are being made to the covered outdoor events space and food court, Telford and Wrekin Council said.

The plans involve retaining the original and historic features of the 13th Century indoor market, turning it into a "fit-for-the-future venue, which will continue to serve the needs of generations to come".

Some traders have moved to temporary stalls during the work, but businesses remain open while the work takes place.

The market has been running for more than 780 years, and is home to more than 50 shops as well as cafes.

Councillor Ollie Vickers encouraged people to continue to use it and support traders during the works.

He said: "It's essential that we carry out this refurbishment to safeguard the market for generations to come."

Wellington Market is home to more than 50 shopping units and cafes and a food court

As preparations began this year, traders wrote on social media the market was "very much open for business and and will remain so during the refurbishment works".

Spending on the 1,700 sqm (18,300 sqft) market is part of £12m in funding for Wellington from the government.

Wellington Market was bought by the council in 2023.

Wellington Market was established in 1244 and is currently home to more than 50 shopping units and cafes