MARKET traders have reported ‘strong trade and happy customers’ following the opening of the first section of the all-new market the first part of the town centre’s flagship Glass Works development to be completed.
The new food hall opened to shoppers last Friday with an official opening ceremony on Saturday when the Mayor of Barnsley Coun Steve Green and leader of the council Coun Sir Steve Houghton cut the ribbon.
Traders told the Chronicle they were thrilled with their new home which gave the market the ‘21st century shop window’ it deserved.
“This is like coming into a new home, and obviously there are one or two teething issues, but nothing we can’t overcome,” said butcher David Barker.
“I’d been in the old market for 26 years so this is a big change for us. But trade has been very brisk, customers really like the brightness of the place, and the cleanliness and airiness of it.
“When I look at Barnsley now I really can see a bright future, because at last the town centre is setting itself alive with new shops, a new beginning, and a new vibrancy which is what it needs to bring the younger people and the new generation of shoppers into town and into the market.
“Over these first few days we’re already seeing far more younger people coming in through the door.”
Peter Morley, of Morley Meats, was equally pleased with the new food hall.
“It’s been really positive and we’re really pleased with trade so far. Customers love it and it’s a major improvement from what we had before.”
The original plan to transform the market was to put it at the ‘heart’ of the town centre, rather than hidden away behind high street shop fronts, and Barrie Bennett from the Deli Butcher said that was already coming to fruition.
“We’re definitely back right at the heart of the town centre, which is what it always was before in the old days,” said Barrie.
“Barnsley Market now must be the most modern and welcoming in the country, and with everything else going off in town the future looks very positive.”
Husband and wife Steve Thorpe and Jacky Wilson are opening a cheesemonger business within the food hall. It would have been open on Saturday but their move has been delayed after Jacky broke her arm.
“It’s going to be a couple of weeks yet,” said Jacky. “We’re so pleased with how it looks though and can’t wait to be in.”
The rest of the new indoor market is due to open on November 3, when a temporary wall built at the back of the food hall will come down revealing the rest of the market.
