Contractor sought for Market Hall roof works

Further investment in Glossop's heritage halls is set to take place with work to replace the roofs at the Market Hall and Municipal Buildings getting underway when the current Covid-19 situation allows.

High Peak Borough Council is committed to retaining and returning public buildings, including the Market Hall, Town Hall, Municipal Buildings and Victoria Hall, to public use.

A new roof has been installed at the Town Hall and the project to replace the roofs at the neighbouring Market Hall and Municipal Buildings is next on the list with a contractor now being sought to carry out the work.

To comply with health and safety advice as a result of the deteriorating condition of the Market Hall roof and the need to install a new fire safety system, both the indoor and outdoor markets were due to cease trading from the current site on 30 April and the Council is working on temporary alternative arrangements.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, said: "The markets, like many other businesses across the UK, actually stopped trading on 24 March following the Government's lockdown announcement and we understand that this has added to uncertainty about future operations.

"So I want to offer strong reassurance to traders and to shoppers that, whilst the current Coronavirus pandemic has impacted on the progress we have been able to make, we remain as committed as ever to investing in Glossop Market.

"The Council is also continuing our discussions with stall holders about the temporary arrangements that we will put in place to enable the market to continue to operate whilst the work is carried out but, as people will understand, we are not able to give a date when the market will re-open at this stage.

"The ongoing uncertainty about how and when a return to full trading might begin, the measures needed to ensure everyone remains safe and the arrangements for a temporary location to operate are bound to be a cause of concern. As councillors, we will continue to drive things behind the scenes so that we're in a position to be able to move quickly as and when restrictions are lifted."

Following discussions with the indoor stall holders, a vacant retail unit at Wren's Nest had been identified as the only possible temporary location. The impact of Covid-19 has complicated and delayed efforts by the Council to explore issues around this site. Outdoor traders have been offered cabins on the car park side of the toilet block at the Municipal Buildings.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Anthony Mckeown, said: "This is a challenging time for everyone - not least the traders. The Covid-19 lockdown has meant a significant delay to us going out to tender for the work to replace both the Market Hall and Municipal Buildings roofs and we continue to assess the situation and the Government's guidance on any measures necessary to control Covid-19. Our officers are working on getting the tender process worked through and work started on site.

"But let me stress again, keeping a market in Glossop is central to our regeneration plans and it plays a key role in our aim of creating flourishing town centres and thriving high streets that support the local economy. That will be more important than ever as we support our communities through recovery from the current situation."