Market street food traders 'sad to lose home'

Street food traders have said they are "sad to lose their home" as Manchester Piccadilly Market prepares to close for the redevelopment of Piccadilly Gardens.

The market will shut on 22 October as part of Manchester City Council's multi-million-pound revamp.

Traders said they were disappointed to leave a site where they had built a loyal customer base and strong community.

The council said all traders would be offered alternative locations.

Leya Linsdell, 32, deputy operations manager at family-run Afro-Caribbean food stall Rita's Reign, said she was "incredibly disappointed" after seven years at the site.

"We're a family-run business. It's just my mum, dad, sister and me," she said.

She said uncertainty over the relocation was worrying, with more than 25 employees relying on the business for their income.

"It's hard not being able to tell our staff what's going to happen with their jobs, and it's hard for us to make long-term decisions," Linsdell said.

Her sister Olivia Linsdell, 30, said: "The change will impact us. There will be losses."

While she agreed the area could benefit from the scheme, she said she was concerned the revamp could "take away Manchester's independent businesses".

The market is home to traders including Chen's Happy House, BangGaBangGa and Loaded Gyros.

Some customers said the closure of the street food stalls would be a "big loss".

Regular visitor Steph Bellfield said she was disappointed to lose "a staple of mine and my colleagues' lunchtime routine".

Theophilus, who works nearby, said the market had become a "social hub" for him and his colleagues.

Mohammad Khan was more optimistic, saying the move could help some businesses grow.

"Everyone's got to move on at some point. It might make them bigger and give them more customers," he said.

The refurbishment of Piccadilly Gardens will include new lawns, more trees, a larger playground, extra CCTV and improved lighting.

A Manchester City Council spokesperson said: "We have always believed in the important role that markets can play in our city to support businesses to grow, build a loyal customer base and thrive.

"We have been in conversation with the traders for many months around the closure of the market. So, while the street food market will close at the end of October, no trader will be left without somewhere to go."

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