Rent-free trading period offered to give Dudley Market a much-needed boost

Dudley Council has announced plans to launch a new rent-free trading pilot for new and existing traders to help give Dudley Market a much-needed boost.

Existing and new stallholders will be offered the chance to trade from the market in the town centre without paying pitch fees from the first week of December 2026 until the end of January 2027.

The move comes after the market was criticised by a local shopper for attracting more pigeons than people - despite having undergone a £150,000 revamp in 2025 to create a new outdoor seating area, planters and screening and add pop-up food outlets.

The rent free trading period is being offered by the council in partnership with Tudor Markets Ltd to support local businesses, attract new traders, increase the range and variety of stalls available to shoppers and encourage more people to visit Dudley town centre during the festive season and beyond.

It will also help inform future plans for the market by identifying the types of businesses and products residents would like to see.

Get your FREE weekly business newsletter, sent directly to you. Click here:

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: “Dudley Market has been at the heart of our town for generations and remains an important part of the local economy and community life.

“This pilot is a practical investment in the future of the market and our town centre. By removing pitch fees for a limited period, we are giving existing traders and new businesses the opportunity to try market trading at a reduced cost, reach new customers and establish themselves in Dudley.

“We hope the initiative will attract fresh ideas, bring greater variety to the market, increase footfall and support wider commercial activity in the town centre.

“We are keen to hear from people who have been thinking about taking a stall and would encourage them to come forward and explore the opportunity.”

A spokesperson at Tudor Markets Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be working with Dudley Council on this initiative and to help create new opportunities for both existing and prospective traders.

“Dudley Market has a loyal customer base. We welcome applications from a wide range of traders and businesses that can bring new products, variety and vibrancy to the market.

“Markets remain one of the most accessible ways for people to start or grow a customer facing business and allows online businesses to try physical retail without the large overheads. This pilot removes the financial barrier by allowing traders to take advantage of a rent-free period during December and January.

“We hope many traders will use this opportunity as a springboard to establish a longer-term presence in Dudley and become part of the market’s future success.”

The pilot will be reviewed in the new year, with its impact on trader participation, footfall and overall market activity helping to shape future discussions about the market’s development.

No decisions have yet been made about what will happen beyond the pilot period.

Interested traders can apply to take advantage of the rent free trading pilot by contacting Tudor Markets via https://tudormarkets.com/trade/