Work to go ahead on market building

Glossop Market Hall and Municipal Buildings roofs will be replaced next year after the council gave the go-ahead to proposals for further investment in the town's heritage buildings.

Health and safety advice is that the work at the market hall cannot be carried out in phases and it will mean the indoor market will shut next year for a temporary period of up to 12 months.

High Peak Borough Council initially announced the proposals in September and has been working with market traders and the National Market Traders’ Federation to try and minimise the impact on businesses and shoppers.

Confirmation of this next phase of investment comes as work to replace the town hall roof and restore the clock comes to a finish.

HPBC leader Cllr Anthony Mckeown said: “These significant works to the fabric of Glossop’s heritage halls are a key element of our regeneration plans to create thriving town centres.

“We are making good progress. The first phase of work at the town hall is almost complete and the final go-ahead has been given to the next phase of the project to replace the roofs at the market hall and the Municipal Buildings.

“We will now move on to securing a contractor to carry out these works as we continue our discussions with traders at the indoor market to work out how we can best assist them during the necessary temporary closure period.”

The market hall work also includes replacing electrical and fire safety systems.

A date for the temporary closure of the indoor market has not yet been set. The council says it recognises the importance of keeping the market open in the build up to Christmas and has committed to it staying open until January or February.

Cllr Damien Greenhalgh, Executive Councillor for regeneration, tourism and leisure, added: “We want to support our traders so that’s why we’re keeping the market open for business into the New Year and we’re looking at the options to enable trading to continue during the market hall’s temporary closure.

“We’ve held positive discussions with the National Market Traders’ Federation and we are currently meeting the stall holders individually to explore their personal needs and aspirations both whilst the roof works are carried out and when the market hall reopens.

“This investment is long awaited and much needed. 

“I am delighted to be securing the long term future of the building as a thriving market in the heart of Glossop. 

“In the meantime, we’ll continue to do what we can to provide alternative arrangements for the people who trade and shop on the indoor market while these essential works take place,” he added.