Pop-up markets could open on high streets ‘all over Manchester’
A slice of Chorlton or Withington could appear on high streets around Manchester with plans for new pop-up markets.
The concept has proved popular in the south Manchester suburbs and now the council is looking to expand it out to other areas of the city.
Moston and Newton Heath are two areas being looked at closely, but bosses say the idea could work anywhere as long as there are enough traders willing to get behind it as well as an operator.
Newton Heath used to have a permanent market which shut after being in use for more than 80 years.
Councillor Gavin White, the city’s lead on housing and regeneration matters, said: “We are keen to support markets all over Manchester because they add a real vitality and vibrancy to our high streets and district centres, enhancing and complementing the shopping offer in our communities.”
Pop-up markets have become a popular thing in some parts of Manchester, helping high streets stay busy and supporting local traders.
In Withington, a pop-up market was introduced alongside a major revamp on Copson Street to make it easier to use for pedestrians and cyclists.
Coun White added: “Alongside our popular permanent markets in Longsight, Harpurhey and Gorton, the growth of pop-up markets has helped attract more visitors and drives significant footfall in district centres such as Withington, Wythenshawe, Chorlton, Levenshulme and other locations across the city, including the Northern Quarter.
“These pop-up events also provide an opportunity for new traders to grow their businesses alongside existing businesses without the overheads and potential risk of a bricks and mortar premises.
“Pop-up markets can play an important role in our ambitious plans to reenergise all our high streets in every part of our city and we want to work with operators and traders that can help create destinations in our communities and drive economic growth.”
Other schemes to improve high streets across Greater Manchester include plans by mayor Bev Craig for a £20m high streets fund.
The idea was announced on Monday (August 10) when the mayor said there are ‘too many extractive or low-quality businesses on too many of our high streets’.