Stockport Council is to hold a consultation about the future of Stockport Market.
The council wants to make the covered market hall on Market Place in the centre of Stockport more of a food and fresh produce market – but some traders fear they are being pushed out.
The Stockport Market proposals include the potential relocation of both the indoor and outdoor general goods stalls to a new town centre location closer to Merseyway.
The council says the new market offer would focus on good quality, locally sourced food and drink, to eat in and to take away, and would benefit the wider Market Place and Underbanks areas, and would encourage more people to visit the town.
Until April 1, the council wants to gather the views of residents, businesses and community groups about Stockport Market on the council website.
Standpoint machines where people can have their say will also be made available at town centre locations.
Councillor Sue Derbyshire, leader of Stockport Council, said: “We are determined that Stockport keeps its markets and they regain the success they once enjoyed. To do that, we need to update the market offer so it attracts more local people.
“I want to encourage everyone to take the opportunity to have their say on Stockport Market.
“The council are working hard to ensure that the town’s historic marketplace is home to a thriving, bustling market, making it once again the beating heart of the town.
“Some of the decisions we have to make are not easy, especially around the Stockport Markets future location, but we are committed to work with traders throughout this.
“I would like to thank all the traders who are working with us to make sure the future of Stockport Market is successful.”
Separate meetings about location options are being held with market traders on Stockport Market and are not included within this consultation.
