Date for market traders' return after £9.4m revamp

A date has been set for the reopening of Leicester Market following a £9.4m redevelopment.

Stalls have been moved to a temporary site in Green Dragon Square while the renovation work takes place.

Leicester City Council previously indicated it aimed to have traders back on the square by the end of the year, but it has now said it will work towards reopening the market in April.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said the authority had offered traders an option to move back in December, but they preferred a later date.

According to the council, traders raised weather conditions as the main reason for preferring a later move, while some also highlighted the impact of ongoing construction work and site conditions.

Preparations will include finalising stall layouts, infrastructure and utilities, access arrangements and other operational requirements.

Soulsby said the results of a consultation with traders on when to return to the site were "unanimous and they made their moving date preference very clear".

He added: "That gives everyone certainty about the timescale and allows us to make sure that the move is properly planned, co-ordinated and supported."

A further meeting between the city mayor and the traders' representatives is planned for December, when more detailed information on the redevelopment programme and relocation arrangements will be available, the council said.

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