91Èȱ¬

Work to demolish Leicester's historic market has begun, marking the start of a project to redevelop the site.Ìý

The old wooden stalls and roofing are being replaced as part of its multi-million pound transformation.

Leicester City Council said 84 new stalls would be fitted, creating “an attractive environment" for the fruit and vegetable traders, as well as other businesses.

The existing roof will be replaced by a smaller one, which would open up views of the historic Corn Exchange building.

National construction company Speller Metcalfe has been awarded the £8m contract to lead the revamp of the market, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

Sir Peter Soulsby, the city's mayor, said: “This investment in Leicester Market is long overdue, so I’m very pleased that our contractors are now on site.

“If Leicester Market is to be the beating heart of the city centre once again, we need to help it adapt to reflect the way that people shop today."

On the opposite side of the market place, next to Dolphin Square, there will be space for temporary specialist markets and special events.

The site will also house the cafe which is currently serving the market.

Mike Dalzell, the city council’s director for tourism, culture and inward investment, said: “A final timescale for the works will be drawn up once Speller Metcalfe have cleared the site and checked what’s under the ground, beneath the old market.

"Our aim, however, is to complete the revamp of Leicester Market as quickly as we can, with the main works expected to take around 10 months."

Leicester Market will continue to trade from its temporary home in Green Dragon Square while work to create the new-look market continues.

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