Revamp of town has given market a boost - traders

Fishmonger Dave Walker

Market traders have said the wider regeneration of their town is having a positive impact on their businesses.

Stallholders at Stockport Market said it was busier than ever over the last 18 months.

They said the revival of the nearby Underbanks area of the town, where many food and drink businesses are based, was also helping.

Stockport Council said the number of visitors to the market was now higher than before the pandemic thanks to regular monthly events.

The historic market is said to trace its origins back more than 1,000 years to the late Anglo-Saxon period.

Fishmonger Dave Walker, 59, said: "Trade is very good for us, it's a fantastic place and there are more and more people coming."

There are more than 30 independent traders working on the market, which opens on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Butcher Scott Donnelley has opened Cheshire Meats in the market

Butcher Scott Donnelley, 47, added: "You get people just coming here for a chat.

"It's a good place, there are a lot of good people.

"It's a very homely place, there's a really nice feel.

"Every week I've noticed that it gets busier."

Bakery worker Marta Biegaj praised the market's community feel

Traders have raised concerns over the market's opening hours and the fact it is shut on Wednesdays.

Marta Biegaj, 33, who works at Polish bakery Sticky Fingers, said: "Every day that we are open is better for all the traders, it's more chances to sell.

"But we do manage to sell nearly all of the stock most days."

The bakery is also set to open a new site in Underbanks, with the market stall proving so popular.

"We're very busy most of the time, the only issue is we only have space for four little tables and it's often not enough for our customers," Ms Biegaj said.

She added: "But the people in Stockport are very supportive, they want to support local traders, there's a good community.

"They could go anywhere but they choose here for the quality and the atmosphere."

The market closes on Wednesdays

New flats are being built in the town as well as a new transport interchange and Viaduct Park, as part of Stockport's regeneration.

Council leader Mark Hunter said Stockport Market, which was named Britain's Best Small Indoor Market in 2023, is at the "heart of our plans"

He said that "at a time when markets elsewhere are closing, Stockport's is thriving".

Mr Hunter added: "It's a place full of history, character, and community spirit, and we know just how much it means to the people of Stockport."