Wellington Market refurbishment: opportunity, upheaval and hope for traders

As the refurbishment of Wellington Market gets under way, significant changes are already being felt by traders. Several stalls have moved within or out of the market as a direct result of the works, with businesses adapting in different ways as the transformation progresses.

The long-awaited refurbishment promises a modernised space designed to attract new visitors while retaining the market’s historic character. However, behind the plans and press releases are real businesses experiencing both disruption and opportunity.

I went to find out what the refurbishment means for those running businesses in the market, speaking to long-standing traders, newer arrivals and those who have already had to relocate due to the works.

In a press release, the council set out its vision for the market’s future. The refurbishment plans, it said, ‘which will retain the market’s original and historic features, include a redesigned layout to enhance accessibility, there will also be an improved covered outdoor space for events and an enhanced food court to draw people into the market and create an attractive environment that people will enjoy.

The refurbishment programme aims to retain and improve the market as a retail, food and leisure hub, providing high-quality spaces for existing traders and new small independent businesses.’

For some traders, the changes are a positive step forward. Remi Singh, owner of iRepair, has already moved due to the refurbishment and is optimistic about what lies ahead. ‘I was all for it from the start, when they came out with the idea I was like that sounds really good, I was really looking forward to all of this,’ he said. Singh believes the introduction of new stalls and shops will benefit the market as a whole. ‘It’s eye-catching and nice, you see it and it looks nice and like it makes people attracted to it. It helps our business quite a lot to be honest.’

Not all traders share the same enthusiasm. Marcus and Aaron, joint owners of M&A Watch and Discount Store, said the refurbishment forced them to leave a space they had occupied for decades. ‘It affects us because we didn’t even want to move in the first place, there wasn’t going to be enough room for us to trade there, which is why we moved,’ they said. Marcus added: ‘I’d been there for 30 years, and I think it’s too clinical, too modern. I don’t think it’s as nice as it could’ve been, I think it could’ve been made a lot, lot better.’

Some businesses have experienced short-term gains from temporary relocation. Aidan Short of Malcolm Wickstead Butchers explained that being moved to a more prominent position has increased footfall. “We’re hoping when the refurbishment is finished, we’ll be busier still, and food retail will be together in one place and we’re hoping that will become a new hub in the market and that our new stall is better to work around and better in general.”

Others see the refurbishment as a chance for long-term growth. Scott Gater, owner of skateboard shop Chill Out, said he is looking forward to moving into a new shop. ‘I’m excited about bringing people in, I think it’s gonna bring a lot of people into Wellington. I love Wellington so I’m excited to see it grow again.’ He also believes the new car park will make the town more accessible.

Stephen Ginley, who runs Hungry Dogs in the food court, said the changes could open up new trading opportunities. ‘They’re moving the whole of the food court outside… and that might mean we can open evenings and extra days when the markets close. It’s exciting times!’

As the refurbishment continues, Wellington Market is being reshaped both physically and socially. For some traders, it represents renewal and growth; for others, disruption and loss. 

What is clear is that the future of the market will be defined not just by new buildings, but by the experiences of the businesses adapting to them.