Council’s preferred option for Cheadle Market would be a ‘catalyst for regeneration’

Cheadle’s Market is set for a brighter future after Staffordshire Moorlands District Council unveiled its preferred option to develop both the indoor and outdoor markets located on the high street.

Last autumn the Council successfully purchased the long-established market whose main buildings needed investment, had no heating, were poorly ventilated, lacked decent toilets and really didn’t meet modern market standards.

Speaking to Cheadle Town Council, officers from the regeneration team at the district council outlined a preference for a new market that will focus on food and beverage and produce.

This would see a number of stalls in the indoor market hall providing a combination of food and beverage and retail, indoor seating, further stalls in an arcade area reflecting the market’s original design, and a separate pop-up outdoor market.

Well located in the middle of the town, the new market will be framed by a Georgian terraced building and will be designed to complement the heritage of Cheadle and respect the town centre’s conservation area.

The preferred option follows a period of consultation with traders, the town council, local businesses, residents who completed a survey or attended a drop-in session, and interviews held with other key stakeholders.

Collectively, there was overwhelming support to retain a market. Specifically, there was a call for more food and beverage, artisan and craft produce, opportunities for community and event space, an improved appearance, and extended operating hours into the evenings to support the night-time economy.

Welcoming the emergence of a preferred option, Councillor Darren Price, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration said: “We are grateful to the leading high street consultant Esther Worboys and the architects Stride Treglown who steered the consultation, initial designs and undertook a viability assessment for us. They have a good understanding of successful markets around the country.

“The consultant’s findings have convinced us that the market has a great future and the architect’s eye-catching illustration shows what could be achieved, with further design work to follow. More than that, the new market will be a catalyst to regenerate Cheadle town centre and encourage new businesses to set up.

“We also hope this will eventually become a destination in its own right, just as Leek’s re-developed Market Halls has successfully become after opening last winter.”

Since acquiring the market, the district council has also repaired existing outdoor stalls, installed bollards to secure the market square, introduced a stall booking system, and ensured the premises are compliant for health and safety and protection against fire.

A detailed design and cost estimates will now be worked up to develop the design and achieve some cost certainty for the redevelopment. Updates on its development will be given over the coming months.