Final preparations are being made as Barrow Market traders get set to move into a fantastic new home while work starts on the the multi-million pound rejuvenation of the Market Hall.

The traders will start moving into the specially-created temporary market next month, retaining their reputation for excellent choice, value for money and great customer service in a specially-designed, modern space.

The last day of trading in Barrow Market will be Saturday 10 August, with the new units open for business on Monday 12 August. It is estimated that the work in the Market Hall will take two years to complete.

Some traders will be located in refurbished units in the Mall, facing Dalton Road. The remainder will be units within the former Meat Hall, however work is still taking place here for a few more months.

These traders will therefore be in special units in the outdoor market on Portland Walk for the time being. During the main refurbishment works on the Market Hall, the Meat Hall will remain open, however access will only be from Dalton Road.

The market hall will remain open until August 10, with traders continuing to offer their excellent service and the Portland Walk, Stephen Street and Duke Street entrances still in use.

Councillor Virginia Taylor, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Communities and Localities, said: “The new units look fantastic and I can’t wait to see everybody moved in and creating a buzz around temporary market. We do not underestimate the challenges the move will bring to our wonderful traders. We thank them for working with us to make the temporary market a success and for buying into our long-term vision for Barrow Market to be a vibrant and successful part of a reinvigorated town centre.

“There is a real and emerging sense of positivity around Barrow town centre. Our new temporary market with easy access off Dalton Road, and thereafter the revitalised Market Hall itself, will demonstrate our commitment to support a town centre people can be proud of and that everyone wants to visit.”

The work is part of a £16 million government-funded scheme to reinvigorate the Market Hall, neighbouring arts and entertainment venue The Forum and the public realm that surrounds it to attract more people into the town centre, bringing the community together and boosting the local economy.

As well as transforming the market and The Forum, a Town Centre Community Hub will be created within The Forum which will offer a welcoming new refurbished space which showcases local culture, activities and events, provides meeting, makers and entrepreneurial space.

Public realm improvements on Duke Street and at the Portland walk entrance of Barrow Market Hall will help to make the town centre a more attractive, thriving and vibrant place for people to spend time and enjoy visiting.

The creation of a pocket park/outdoor events space, at The Market Square will enable the delivery of a programme of events to encourage community participation and increase of the number of visitors to the town.