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Local building contractor Pave Aways Ltd is carrying out an enabling works package inside and outside the historic market building which will undergo a major transformation over the next 12 months, during which businesses will remain open as usual although you may find them in a different location whilst the phases of works take place.

Final plans have been agreed following one-to-one meetings with individual business owners and a series of trader engagement sessions at the market.

Trader feedback has helped to shape the final plans, masterminded by highly experienced architects Group Ginger who have a wide level of experience in market refurbishments.

The enabling works are being carried out before the main project begins to permanently relocate a small number of traders within the market and create some temporary stalls.

Hoarding and fencing is being erected to secure the works and keep the public a safe distance away while new directional signage, signposting customers to where traders will be temporarily relocated to, will also be installed.

Telford & Wrekin Council successfully secured Government funding to invest into the market and is seizing this one-off opportunity to transform it into a fit-for-the-future venue which will continue to serve the needs of generations to come, safeguarding its future for the next 50 years.

Investment will be made into the fabric of the buildings, which had been neglected under previous ownerships, and the look, feel and operations of the market will be significantly improved.

Plans, which will retain the market’s original and historic features, include a redesigned layout to enhance accessibility and improved circulation throughout the market as well as delivering refurbished and expanded toilet facilities.

There will also be an improved covered outdoor space for events and an enhanced food court to draw people into the market and create an attractive environment that people will enjoy.

The refurbishment programme aims to retain and improve the market as a retail, food and leisure hub, providing high-quality spaces for existing traders and new small independent businesses.

Telford & Wrekin Council is ensuring that all traders can continue to trade during the refurbishment programme and is supporting those impacted by providing a rent-free period for the duration that any trader is temporarily moved during the works.

Traders will also be given a rental concession of 50% up to the point they are moved and an additional rental concession of 50% for the first six months of trading in their permanent location.

Councillor Ollie Vickers, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy, said:

“We’ve worked very closely with traders since the initial plans for the market were shared with them and are pleased that after taking their feedback on board enabling works can now take place ahead of the main regeneration project which is set to start very shortly.

“We will continue to work closely with traders during the refurbishment project and encourage people to continue to use the market and support our traders as the market will be open as usual throughout the works

“It’s essential that we carry out this refurbishment to safeguard the market for generations to come, improving facilities immensely whilst retaining the market’s historic original features.

“These are exciting times for Wellington Market and we can’t wait to see a revitalised market which people can be proud of and a place in the heart of the community where they can come to shop, eat and socialise.”

Telford & Wrekin Council’s Pride in Our High Street programme will also continue to provide ongoing support to traders and businesses in Wellington.

Steven Owen, Managing Director at Pave Aways Ltd, said:

“We’re proud to be working with Telford & Wrekin Council on the transformation of Wellington Market – a project that will not only revitalise this much-loved historic space but also support the community and the traders who are at the heart of it.

"Our priority throughout will be to deliver the works safely and respectfully, keeping the market open and accessible while minimising disruption. We will work closely with the market traders every step of the way.

"As a Shropshire-based business, we’re committed to using our trusted local supply chain wherever possible, helping to boost the local economy while delivering a high-quality project that the whole town can be proud of.”

You can find out more about the Wellington Market project here: Telford & Wrekin Council | Investing in Telford and Wrekin