Trafford Council has pledged its support to Altrincham Market as it looks to recover from the New Year’s Eve fire that has forced the temporary closure of Market House.
A fire started by an ice-making machine caused extensive smoke damage inside the newly refurbished Victorian building and led to the cancellation of a sold out New Year’s Eve event.
Nick Johnson, the chief executive of Market Operations who was alerted to the fire in the middle of the night, said they were now looking to reopen by the end of January.
He told Altrincham Today that the clean-up operation was “progressing well” and that everything at a low level was being dealt with. Smoke damage higher up the walls and on the ceiling required more specialist help, however, and Johnson was waiting for the council to appoint a clean-up contractor to complete the job.
Michael Hyman, the council’s Executive Councillor for Economic Growth and Planning, said the fire was “really unfortunate” and that the building’s safety was now the priority.
He said: “We are committed to working with Market Operations to get the Market House up and running again as soon as possible, however it is imperative that the council’s insurance assessors and surveyors carry out the appropriate work over the next couple of weeks.
“Our top priority is to make sure the building is safe and that the remedial works are undertaken as soon as possible. We sincerely look forward to welcoming everyone back to Altrincham Market House as soon as possible.
“I have been amazed to see the great level of support from local people for the Market House traders, some of whom have set up stall in the outdoor market, and I urge anyone who intended to visit the market to still do so. There is a wonderful vibe and traders offer a great welcome.”
Below: Market House closed off immediately after the fire
The normal outdoor and specialist markets are currently operating as usual.
The market’s theme on Saturday and Sunday is food – farmers, producers and makers – with live music from Little Rach and others.
Market House’s permanent traders – those most affected by the fire – have come up with enterprising ways of ensuring business continues as usual this weekend.
Wolfhouse will be serving breakfast and brunch from Tender Cow’s Citroen H5 van, now relocated inside the Covered Market.
Tender Cow, Honest Crust, Reserve Wines, Great North Pie Co, Sam Joseph and Jack in the Box will also be operating in some form, and Market House Coffee could also be trading.
“All told Market House will be up and running… just outside not in!” said the market’s Facebook page.
