Leicester indoor market to be demolished

- Published: 01 April, 2010

Page 4

Leicester's indoor market, well-known for its meat and cheese traders, is to be demolished.

The 1975 building, which was hailed as 'Europe's best' when it opened, is now in a dire state. The demolition decision came after council chiefs carried out an in-depth survey with both traders and shoppers, with the majority wanting it razed to the ground.

A total of £10m from Leicester city council reserves has now been earmarked to transform the market site, which is in the heart of Leicester's city centre, although it is unclear what will happen to the site.

"The market is in a poor condition, but the traders offer meats and cheeses that you cannot find anywhere else in the city," said market spokeswoman Sarah Russell.

"We want to keep these people in the city centre after the building has been demolished."

Dawn Alfonso, of the Leicester Market Traders Federation, said traders had been urging the council to spend money on the market for years. "It's only 35 years old, but it's in a dire state."

>> Focus on the Midlands

>> Market traders air concerns to mayor