THE transformation of Altrincham Market’s traditional Market Hall site will begin in earnest at the end of March as the whole of the Market Quarter starts to come alive.

Usual market days of Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday will continue while works are carried out, together with the special Sunday events that have been running since the start of the year.

When the works are completed in May, the familiar faces from the existing market will relocate to the New Market Square, closer to the centre of the town and opposite the Shaw’s Road entrance to Marks & Spencer.

“It’s vital that we keep the existing traders in operation while the works are carried out,” said Nick Johnson, director of the company that took over running the market in December last year.

“We want to make sure that regular customers know the market is going to be fully open during the period of works, however some of the traders might not be in their usual positions.”

Popular traders such as Taylor’s fish stall, Aura Fancy Dress, Dot Lomas and Margaret’s Cards are just some of the many traders that will be staying open and will relocate into the new market in the spring.

The existing listed market buildings will undergo a sensitive transformation and will re-open at the beginning of June following completion of the works in May.

Passers-by will have seen that the new permanent market units are on site at the New Market Square and they are being fitted out and clad. It’s a clear sign that this new-look space blends a traditional market setting with a contemporary urban feel.

Central Way will reopen shortly with high quality accessible block-paved flooring all complimented by newly planted trees.

Executive member for economic growth and prosperity, Cllr Michael Hyman, said: “It’s an exciting time and hopefully now residents and business owners can begin to see Altrincham’s transformation come to life.

“The transformation of the Market Quarter will be the true heart of the town and somewhere we can all be proud of. The council is working with Market Operations to ensure the redevelopment is fit-for-purpose, interesting and adaptable for the modern day market-trader as well as appealing to shoppers and visitors old and new.”

For further information about Altrincham Market follow @altrinchammkt on Twitter and for further information about developments across the town visit www.altrinchamforward.co.uk.