City of Wolverhampton Council is currently carrying out major works on the town centre, which remain on track to be completed in November.

The first four market stalls, to replace the current out-dated stalls, are now in place, with traders set to start operating from them on Tuesday 18 August. Further stalls are being manufactured and will be installed over the coming weeks.

The new purpose-built stalls will all have their own lighting and internal power source, unlike the old stalls. They provide a more modern, attractive and consistent appearance for the market while also improving infrastructure for traders and supporting future events and activities on the High Street.

The majority of the funding for the market stalls has been secured from the Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund, supporting the needs of communities.

Jon Paul Allen, Wednesfield Market trader, key cutters & shoe repairs, said: “I’d like to thank the council for the new market stalls and the hard work to help get them. The traders are looking forward to using stalls that are more fit for purpose and have easily accessible power and individual lighting, which will help a lot. The future of Wednesfield Market is bright.”

Councillor Qaiser Azeem, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Resident Services, said: “I am delighted we have been able to support the market traders by providing these fantastic new market stalls for them that will also boost the customer experience. The old market stalls are long past their best and these new purpose-built stalls will further enhance the High Street’s fresh new look.

“The finished improvement scheme will bring the vibrancy back to Wednesfield High Street and surrounding areas, make it a more welcoming place for all and will boost the local economy.”

Sureena Brackenridge MP, Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton North, said: “I’m delighted to have helped secure funding in Wednesfield village to see Wednesfield Market traders benefiting from brand-new market stalls. This is exactly what the Pride in Place Impact Fund was secured to deliver; visible improvements that support our existing traders, attract new businesses, and help breathe new life into our high street.

“Local traders have been raising the need for better market stalls with me for some time, so I know this investment will make a real difference. It’s another positive step in our wider plans to strengthen Wednesfield village, increase footfall, and create a vibrant high street that the whole community can be proud of.”

The High Street improvement works follow the council securing Government funding for the scheme and extensive consultation and engagement with the public and traders.

Works include:

• Improved paving, lighting, greening and seating in High Street to attract more footfall and investment and support the established market offer

• Improved pedestrian crossings in the High Street
  
  
• More attractive pedestrian access in the south from Bentley Bridge and from the north, linking the High Street with Lichfield Road and the new Wednesfield Technology Primary School
  
  
• Improved access and signage from car parks, especially through Bealeys Fold where improved paving, landscaping, lighting and wayfinding will help draw people into the heart of the High Street
  
  
• Creation of a new events and activity space to encourage further activation of the High Street

The completed scheme will help boost the vibrancy of the High Street by delivering environmental enhancements to the public realm and market to encourage increased footfall, linked trips and dwell time to support businesses and the local economy.