If you haven’t had chance to check it out yet, make sure you take some time to visit the new market in the heart of Warrington town centre.
The new market, which opened last month, is home to more than 50 independent traders, offering a wide range of goods and services including:
- Meat and Fish
- Bread, cheese and pies
- Fruit and veg
- Cakes and sweets
- Jewellery
- Fabrics
- Clothes, handbags and clothing alterations
- Makeup and perfume
- Curtains
- Comics
- Musical instruments
- Fairtrade products
- Key cutting
- shoe repairs
Plus the all new ‘Cookhouse at Warrington Market’ featuring 12 traders serving hot and cold cuisines from around the world – from Eastern delights such as Thai and Chinese, to the freshest Italian pizza, Indian street food and Mexican favourites – there is something for everyone to enjoy! There are also two fully stocked bars, serving a range of cask ales, local brews, wines, spirits and cocktails.
Food is available to takeaway, or you can eat-in at the Cookhouse, which also features a terrace for customers to dine outside during warmer weather.
Despite the obvious challenges of opening a new building during the COVID-19 pandemic, the market is thriving in its new home. Since opening early in July, the market has seen more than 90,000 visitors, which is a 27% increase in footfall from the same time last year in the temporary market, with some traders reporting above target turnover.
The market’s social media platforms have also seen a positive increase, now having more than 20k followers, with posts reaching nearly 1 million accounts – search @warringtonmkt on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date with the latest news.
Council Leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “The new Warrington Market has got off to a really successful start. It’s been fantastic to see so many people visiting the venue and having a great experience. Traders have told us they’ve been delighted to welcome many new customers and young people, alongside longstanding customers. From people visiting our fantastic range of stalls, to families enjoying the all new Cookhouse, the market has been a bustling hive of activity, which is great news for our town centre.
“Markets bring a vibrancy to town centres and it’s fantastic to be able to show people the results of years of planning and hard work. Of course, opening a building during a pandemic comes with its challenges, and market staff and traders have worked together to put measures in place to ensure the new building is a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
“The biggest challenge for us at the moment is managing the number of people in the market, with lots of people, unsurprisingly, wanting to come and experience the fantastic new market for themselves. When inside I would encourage people to be respectful of others and follow the guidance on the signage throughout the building. We are doing all we can to keep everyone as safe as possible. You can help us by taking responsibility for your own safety and the safety of others – please remember wear a face covering when inside the building, and to stay safe by leaving space.”
With the final two traders opening for business, the market will be trading at full capacity. Following the government’s announcement that close contact services, including face treatments, can resume – Faces – Aesthetics Beauty and Training Academy is now open on the mezzanine level. Maskell + Josephson Optometrists will be taking up the remaining unit on the ground floor in early September.
From today, the main market hall will be open slightly longer, from 9am – 5pm, with the Cookhouse open until 7pm.
Find out more at warrington.gov.uk/market or follow @warringtonmkt on social media.
