With work on the first phase of the transformation of Glossop Halls almost complete and plans for the future operations of the market taking shape, the Council continues to support traders in the busy build-up to Christmas.
High Peak Borough Council is leading the regeneration project to bring the Town Hall, Market Hall and Municipal Buildings up to modern standards – creating jobs and new spaces for community use, entrepreneurs and micro-businesses alongside the introduction of energy saving technologies and fibre broadband.
The £7m scheme is being funded by the Council including a £2m grant contribution from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership via their Getting Building Fund.
The first phase of the project, which has included replacing the Market Hall roof and the removal of the floor as well as internal plaster repairs in the Municipal Buildings, is now drawing to a close and listed buildings consent for the next stages has been submitted.
Alongside this, the Council is also progressing with its search for a for a commercial partner to manage and operate the re-developed complex once building work is complete.
Council Leader, Councillor Anthony Mckeown, said: “This project we’re undertaking will see significant sums invested in regenerating and restoring these essential heritage buildings for the future.
“This next stage of the works will transform the Glossop Halls complex into a modern, vibrant hub for the town. It’s a once-in-a-generation chance to deliver the business opportunities and community amenities we need to maximise recovery post-Covid.
“It’s an exciting project to be part of which reflects our ambitions for Glossop and, as we move into the next phase of the project, I look forward to getting on with making it a reality.”
The ground floor plans for the Market Hall include seven food and drink retail units and space for pop-ups and events whilst the new mezzanine level will have eleven units for non-food retail and creative and start-up businesses. The refurbished Town Hall will offer modern, flexible office accommodation in a key heritage space.
And following the recent call out for expressions of interest for potential future operators for the complex, the Council was encouraged by the positive response from the market sector and will now be progressing to the next stage of the competitive tender process.
Discussions with market traders are continuing with the Council offering 12 month leases in cabins on the outdoor market site and actively exploring grants to help business owners customise their cabins.
And as we approach Christmas, the Council is offering additional support with the promotion and advertisement of seasonal events and extended opening hours as well as funding new Christmas decorations.
Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, Damien Greenhalgh, said: “The Halls really are at the centre of the town and the community and this transformation will safeguard their future as the lively, beating heart of Glossop for decades to come.
“The market is a key part of this and we’ve worked with traders throughout to support them to continue to trade and to keep them updated so they can make the best choices for their individual businesses.
“Christmas is always such an important period for all our businesses and we’re, once again, doing our bit for the market by promoting the additional trading hours and events and funding decorations to make sure the market looks at its seasonal best.
“As people head out for the gifts, food and drink that characterise the season, I urge everyone to support the traders and other retail and hospitality businesses by shopping locally this year and making it a resolution to do so in the New Year.”
This year’s lights switch-on event in Glossop is taking place on Saturday 27 November and the Market Arcade and craft market on the market ground will be open from 9am to 7pm.
And, for the first time, the stalls and shop in the Market Arcade will trade from 9am to 7pm on Fridays 3, 10 and 17 December in addition to 9am to 5pm on Thursdays and Saturdays. All purchases from the Market Arcade on the late nights will be entered into a Christmas hamper prize draw.
