New market begins trading next month

The long-awaited new indoor market featuring up to 35 stalls will open in a town centre next month.

Shoppers have been calling for return of a traditional-style market in Halesowen town centre for around five years.

Chairman of the Halesowen Chamber of Trade, Steve Fitzpatrick, said that the market would be welcoming customers from May 2. He said: “Everything is in place now except for the stalls. I hope it will be a success. It is what the people of Halesowen have been asking for and it is up to them to make it a success.”

There will be a range of different stalls, including a butchers, deli, nail bar, card shop, sweets and confectionery as well as a cafeteria.

The old market was based in the Cornbow shopping centre and closed its doors in 2003 much to the disappointment of residents.The town is currently undergoing a £30 million pound redevelopment, which is expected to be completed by Christmas.

It includes a new fascia on the outside of the Cornbow shopping centre, the opening of a new £75,000 sq ft Asda store and a 600-space car park.

Last week, councillors approved plans for the addition of a mezzanine level in the supermarket which will include a customer restaurant and toilets.

A £3.5 million bus station will also be opened as part of the redevelopment and will include two passenger waiting areas serving eight bus stands with electronic doors which will open when a bus approaches.

There will also be electronic displays dotted about the building to keep passengers updated with information about the bus services.

Contractors began working on improvements to roads around the town centre, which are part of the scheme, in October.