This is the first look at what Newgate Market in York might look like after a refurbishment.
City of York Council has presented designs for the new look to market stall holders.
Refurbished stall prototypes will be installed in the market from Saturday (May 17). They will boast new paintwork and canopies and better drainage and lights.
The new canopies are designed to be an improved fit, giving better protection against the weather.
Translucent fabrics are being trialled to allow in more natural light – but not heat – in summer. Coloured feature lighting will be trialled too.
Work is to begin on new branding and signage in conjunction with the Reinvigorate York project, and new communications tools to improve information about what’s on sale and when are being developed.
Improvement needed
Council research last autumn found a consensus that Newgate market needed to be improved.
The council found there was general agreement that the south-eastern end of the market needed to made more vibrant and that music and entertainment and more food on offer would enhance the market atmosphere.
Improved signage and information about the market was also called for.
Market trader Rupert Harrison, of Black Yak Ltd, said: “The council has consulted us fully, listened to our concerns and advice and we’re ninety per cent positive, with just ten per cent wrinkles to iron out.
“This will be a real shot in the arm for the market.”
Cllr Sonja Crisp, the council’s leader on leisure, culture and tourism, said the scheme would boost the number of people visiting the market by drawing shoppers from Parliament Street, Shambles, King’s Square and Church Street.
“The snickelways have connected the internationally-known Shambles – voted Britain’s Prettiest Street by Google Street View Awards – to the market area for centuries.
“These links will be upgraded and illuminated to complement the medieval architecture and to encourage more people to move between the two shopping areas.
“Once in the market, the new designs aim to encourage shoppers to move more freely and widely through the market with its broader range of stall types to further improve the breadth of shopping.
“They will be encouraged to come more often, stay longer and so increase their spend, with an improved food offer and seating areas where live music will be encouraged.”