Contractor, Speller Metcalfe, formally handed the market back to City of Wolverhampton Council last week after completing the redevelopment works.

Traders will open for business in their new look home from 8am, under a purpose-built canopy that will better protect everyone from any bad weather.

Other improvements include easier access, upgraded toilets, enhanced stalls, a flexible events space, new signage, taxi drop off and public areas.

More than £8 million has been invested in the market redevelopment through a combination of Government and council funding.

The events space will be used for the first time on Saturday, July 11 (10am to 3pm) to hold a celebration event officially marking the opening of the new market.

Dicky Dodd will host the event and special guest on the day will be celebrity chef, Glynn Purnell, who will deliver cooking demonstrations.

There will be an array of family-friendly activities to enjoy, including K-Pop performances, circus show & demonstration, dragon walkabout character, craft workshops, Caribbean dance performances, sandpits, colouring area, face painters, balloon modelling, singers, mini food festival and free market goodybags (while stocks last).

Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, said: “Thursday is going to be a milestone day for the town of Bilston as the traders welcome customers to their brand new market for the first time.

“I’m proud this council has delivered what is the first class, improved and modern market that we promised traders, making it even better for everyone.

“We can now all enjoy the absolute best market in the West Midlands with more modern, more accessible and more vibrant spaces for traders and the local community.”

Bilston outdoor market trader, Julie Emery of JD Produce, selling fruit and veg, said: “I have enjoyed our time on the high street, but I am now very excited to move to our fabulous new market.

“The new market is looking great and we’re hearing lots of positive comments from the public who are keen to visit us when we return to our original outdoor site.”

Councillor Qaiser Azeem, the council’s Cabinet Member for Resident Services, said: “I am really looking forward to customers seeing the new facility we have created for our dedicated traders to thrive and provide an outstanding community shopping experience.

“I’d like to thank the outdoor and indoor traders for their support and patience throughout the redevelopment works and welcome them to their new home.

“This is, of course, just the first phase of our multi-million-pound investment in Bilston. There’s lots more to come that will complement and enhance the new market; Black Country Route public realm improvements, High Street Link scheme, £20 million Pride in

Place programme, which we are working closely with local residents on to spend on projects around the town, and construction of a new Health and Wellbeing facility next to the leisure centre.”

Bilston Market’s normal opening times are Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, between 8am and 4pm each day.