Work starts to improve Hyde Market

Work to improve Hyde Market Ground have started this week and the council says it will help create an improved space for businesses and visitors alike.

The works include installing new facilities for the outdoor market and opening up the Market Ground to create a more flexible space for community events.

Funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Hyde Accelerator Programme is being used to fund these works in line with the Hyde Town Centre Masterplan approved earlier this year that identified several areas for improvements across the town.

It was highlighted in Masterplan that creating a more flexible space Masterplan for markets and events, with enhanced new planting would help open up the area and encourage more people to visit the town.

Following consultation with market traders, the programme of improvements to the outdoor market facilities has now started which includes the removal of four of the six fixed market stalls and installation of a more flexible parasol provision with two of the existing fixed stalls remaining in place.

Hyde Market Trader Carol Jones from Four Bells Stall, said: “The recent events held have brought the market square to life, and showcased that Hyde has very much to offer, we’re excited to be part of the markets future.”

Other traders says it should end rumours the market was due to close.

Cllr Stephen Homer, executive member (Towns, Transport and Connectivity) said “These works will kickstart the much-needed regeneration of Hyde town centre building on some recent improvements to the town. Further projects are proposed as part of the Hyde Accelerator Programme which include improving greenspaces and planting to make the town centre more attractive and welcoming for visitors and local people alike.

"The changes to Market Ground will ensure this key civic space in the heart of the town can operate more flexibly to for events including markets and other activities.”

The Hyde Accelerator Partnership are working to deliver a series of improvements using £737,000 of funding secured through the government’s High Street Task Force.

These works include extensive tree maintenance, replanting of granite planters, improvements to Millenium Park, and new decorative lighting as well as other projects, the details of which are currently being refined by the Partnership.

Works to the market will be completed early next year.