Leicester City Council Reveals Updated Market and Events Space Plan

A revised proposal for the future of Leicester Market has been presented by the city council. Earlier this year, work on a planned £7.5 million refurbishment of the marketplace was “paused” following demolition activities at the site. The council had indicated at that time that the area cleared by the work could instead be utilized as a venue for events. A public consultation has now commenced on a plan that aims to both restore the market to its original site and establish a new “event space.” Under these new plans, a smaller market area, comprising 48 stalls, would be developed next to the existing food hall. The council stated that automated shutters would secure the market when not in use, and it could be fully dismantled if the entire site were needed for an event. City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby commented that the new market would be “food-focused,” with stalls primarily allocated to traders selling fruit, vegetables, and high-quality food from various global regions. Soulsby noted that while a suggestion to “reconsider the potential” for the marketplace to “become the focal point for festivals, events and celebrations in Leicester” was well-received by businesses and heritage organizations, the traders themselves did not wish to relocate. He stated: “It was clear that the market traders themselves felt strongly about returning to the site where they’d stood for generations.” If approved, the new event space is anticipated to be repaved and completed by early next year, with the new market building projected to open by spring/summer 2027. Traders would be able to continue operating from Green Dragon Square until then. The public consultation is scheduled to run until 9 December.