URMSTON could become a new foodie mecca after the UK's  first purpose-built food hall opens in the town centre next year.

Trafford Council gave the green light to Market 41 last week, giving developers planning permission to build its bespoke food hall opposite the train station.

Located in Railway Road, Market 41 will be the UK’s first privately owned, new build food market hall when it opens ahead of Christmas 2019.

The market will provide space for up to 12 food and drink stalls, positioned around a central, casual communal seating area.

There will also be a mezzanine level, private dining and outdoor seating, with the ability to cater for nearly 200 people.

Developers, the McGoff Group, will start work on the site in January and have already received interest from more than 50 food and drink operators from across the North West.

The food hall will host artisan and independent caterers, as well as small restaurant owners who will use the market as a platform to showcase their offerings.

Chris McGoff, director at McGoff Group, said: “It is fantastic news that we have received planning consent for Market 41.

"It has been a long time coming and we know that excitement and anticipation has been mounting in Urmston and the surrounding areas for many months.

"To be able to confirm that Market 41 will open for business in 2019 feels great!"

The food hall will be the first new build market of its kind in the UK, with all others currently housed in historic or existing buildings that have been re-purposed.

Mr McGodd added: "We strategically choose Urmston for Market 41 as the town already has a vibrant and flourishing independent and artisan food and drink scene.

"Market 41 will simply enhance this further. We have taken time with the design of the building, its layout, the interior décor as well as the outdoor space to create a superb, stylish, flexible, family-friendly food market hall with space for pop-up stalls and both private and community events.

"We firmly believe that Market 41 is the start of a new wave of concept for the UK and we want to be leading this, starting in Urmston."

The McGoff Group said it has been working with Northern food commentator Thom Hetherington, who has already used his extensive experience and network of contacts within the ‘Northern food scene’ to suggest how the mix of operators in Market 41 will work.

He has also held workshops with aspirational Urmston residents and is looking forward to shortlisting candidates through a "comprehensive tasting selection process".

Mr Hetherington said: "Operating partners for Market 41 will be carefully selected to ensure that local customers benefit from the very best quality and choice at competitive price points.

"There will be a strong focus on independents from across the region who can bring fresh, locally-sourced artisan-quality food and drink to the food hall, offering something different for the local community and attracting revenue from outside of Urmston."