Hold on to your fruit and veg! Leicester Market’s big revamp is stirring up quite the conversation. With archaeological digs underway and a new vision taking shape, not everyone’s happy about the changes. What does this mean for the future of our beloved market square?

The ambitious **Leicester Market Redevelopment** project has entered its crucial next phase, marked by ongoing archaeological investigations in the historic market square. This significant **urban regeneration** initiative, intended to transform the area into a vibrant joint events and retail space, has been the subject of considerable public and stakeholder debate since its inception, making it a truly **controversial project**.

First announced in 2022, the scheme has undergone several iterations, experiencing delays when the **City Council Plans** were temporarily put on hold. A pivotal moment involved strong backlash from market traders, who voiced serious concerns about the possibility of not being allowed to return to their long-established home. This public engagement led to a revised plan aiming to accommodate both events and the traditional market, albeit with significant changes.

Currently, **archaeological investigations** are proceeding as a standard preliminary step for such an extensive **public realm project**. Council officers informed the Economic Development committee that a detailed report on any findings will be compiled before construction work commences. Meanwhile, the city council awaits crucial approval from its planning department for an application detailing new seating, planting, lighting, and enhanced security measures, submitted in June and expected to be ruled on next month.

Optimism surrounds the project’s timeline, with officers hoping that the public realm work could commence as early as this autumn. The overarching goal is to see the entire **market redevelopment** completed by the end of 2026. Intriguingly, discussions are underway to explore whether project teams can actually surpass this previously stated December deadline, potentially bringing the rejuvenated square to the public even sooner.

Despite the forward momentum, the project remains contentious for some, particularly among local businesses. A key point of contention is the revised focus for the permanent market, which is expected to be predominantly geared towards food products. This shift implies that businesses traditionally selling dry goods would need to seek alternative locations for their operations, raising questions about inclusivity and variety.

During a recent committee meeting, Sue Waddington articulated concerns shared by members, emphasizing the desire for the market to maintain its historical diversity of goods, including non-food items. She highlighted the importance of preserving the market’s traditional character beyond just fruit and vegetables, reflecting a broader sentiment among some stakeholders.

Responding to these concerns, Peter Chandler, the council’s director of tourism, culture and economy, confirmed that the primary “focus” of the new permanent market will indeed be on food items. However, he also provided reassurances, stating that the council is actively exploring options for hosting a range of specialist markets within the wider square. This approach aims to strike a balance between a dedicated food market and offering diverse commercial opportunities and attractions within the revitalized public space.