It comes on the back of contractors Speller Metcalfe completing the necessary groundworks and is a major milestone in the scheme.

On track to be completed in June 2026, the new market will boast better access, a new canopy, upgraded toilets, enhanced stalls, and improved public spaces.

More than £8million is being invested in the redevelopment of Bilston Market after City of Wolverhampton Council showed its commitment to the scheme by providing a £2.5million uplift to the budget to engineer the design after discovering difficult conditions under the ground.

Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, said: “This is a significant moment in the scheme as we begin to see the new market structure coming out of the ground.

“We will deliver the first class, improved and modern market we promised traders, making it even better for them and their customers.

“In a matter of months, we will all be enjoying the absolute best market in the West Midlands with more modern, more accessible, and more vibrant spaces for traders and the local community.”

Minor tweaks to elements of the final design have also this week received planning approval, with a commitment to traders they are getting the full scheme as promised.

Cllr Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “The Market redevelopment is just the first phase of our multi-million-pound investment in Bilston.

“There’s lots more to come that will complement and enhance the market works to drive footfall to the town centre and increase economic spend.

“This includes Black Country Route public realm improvements, High Street Link scheme, £20million Pride in Place programme, which we’ll be working closely with local residents on to spend on projects around the town, and construction of a new Health & Wellbeing Facility next to the leisure centre, where initial car park improvement works are currently taking place.”