Plans submitted for £3.2m Leek markets revamp

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council said the project would preserve the Victorian heritage of the Butter Market

Plans have been submitted for a £3.2m revamp of indoor markets in Leek.

The project, led by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, would see makeovers for the town's Butter Market and Trestle Market.

Schemes to regenerate Leek town centre were awarded £17.1m from the government's levelling-up fund earlier this year.

The proposals will now be considered by councillors on the planning committee at a future date.

The council said the Victorian character of the Butter Market shop fronts would be restored to improve the customer experience.

Wi-fi and CCTV would also be installed, with insulation and heating systems upgraded.

Changes to the Trestle Market would see a new entrance as well as the creation of an events space and food and drink outlets.

CCTV and wi-fi will also be installed, alongside new insulation and heating systems in the Butter Market

Glazed tiling and roof trusses are also set to be preserved, while imitation slates on the roof are expected to be replaced with real slate.

The council described it as a "once-in-a-generation" project and said, if approved, work was expected to start in the new year.

Matt Swindlehurst, cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said: "It will ensure these buildings are fit for the future whilst at all times respecting and retaining the important heritage aspects of their Victorian character which give them such a special status in the town."

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council said talks were ongoing with market traders about the practicalities of how the work would be carried out, but said it was mindful of minimising the impact on businesses.

Traders have previously criticised the compensation package and the length of time the markets could be out of action.