Glossop Market Hall set to benefit from investment

Glossop's Market Hall is set to be next in line for investment as part of the Borough Council's multi-million pound project to repair, restore and safeguard the town's heritage halls.

Surveys have revealed that the roofs at the Market Hall and the Municipal Buildings now need replacing and a report recommending the work is carried out next year will be considered by councillors on Monday 30 September.

If approved, the work at the Market Hall, which also includes replacing the electrical and fire safety systems, will mean the temporary closure of the building for a period of up to 12 months. A date for the work has yet to be fixed but the Council has confirmed that the Market Hall will remain open until January or February next year.

In the meantime, the Council will engage with the traders on an individual basis to discuss their requirements and support them with alternative arrangements during this period.

Council Leader, Councillor Anthony Mckeown, said: "We are committed to investing in Glossop's heritage buildings which are at the heart of our regeneration strategy.

"People will be aware of the work to replace the Town Hall roof and repair the clock. This phase of this major investment project is set to finish in early November. The next phase is to invest in the Market Hall building and the Municipal Buildings.

"As safety must be paramount, regrettably the market will have to close on a temporary basis whilst the work is carried out. We fully understand the concern this will cause for traders and we are committed to working with them all personally to try and ensure, wherever possible, that they can continue to trade."

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Executive Member for Regeneration and Markets, added: "Locals and traders have identified the need for improvements in the Market Hall and it is integral to our regeneration plans for the town centre to create a thriving high street.

"We are mindful that the busy Christmas period is approaching and will be supporting traders by keeping the market open into the New Year but we want to begin discussions with them now so preparations can begin for the temporary closure.

"I know traders will be disappointed by this news, but once these essential works are completed we feel optimistic that this will secure the long-term future of the Market Hall and provide the change we have all wanted to see for some time."

Council officers will be visiting the market on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 September to arrange individual meeting with traders for individuals to raise any concerns and discuss their future trading requirements.