Bid to keep temporary market for two more years

Leicester Market was demolished in November 2023, but the original plan never went ahead

An application to extend the use of the temporary home of Leicester Market is being made.

Permission to operate a temporary market on Green Dragon Square is due to expire at the end of March.

The Leicester Market redevelopment project has overrun its original schedule after work was halted following demolition for fresh plans to create a smaller market and events space to be drawn up.

Leicester City Council is now seeking permission to keep the temporary site for a further two years, although the Local Democracy Reporting Service said the new marketplace could be completed by the end of 2026.

Following a public consultation, plans are being drawn up for a smaller 48-stall "food-focused" market alongside an open events space.

Subject to planning permission being granted, work could begin on site this summer, the city council previously said.