Fire-damaged Market House is set to re-open again by the middle of February after Trafford Council and Market Operations agreed a programme of remedial works with insurers.
A seven-day-a-week clean-up operation – including a full industrial clean, restoration works to the floor, electrical work and the refitting of equipment – will begin tomorrow and take “up to four weeks” to complete.
The announcement comes just two days after hundreds took part in a show of support for a campaign launched by the market’s management team to speed up what it saw as the “process, paperwork and endless streams of pointless unproductive meetings” holding up Market House’s restoration.
Market Operations had hoped to reopen the Victorian building by the end of January but if the remedial works go according to plan, it will have been shut for around six weeks since the New Year’s Eve fire started by a ice-making machine.
Councillor Sean Anstee, Leader of Trafford Council, said the council’s priority has been to ensure that the building is safe.
He said: “I was saddened to hear about the fire at the market, it was a real setback considering how popular the venue has been in bringing people into the town and I am delighted that the remedial works are progressing quickly so that Market House can re-open as soon as possible.
“Our priority is, and always has been, to make sure the building’s integrity is protected for the long term while making sure traders and visitors are going back into a safe building. I look forward to the re-opening but encourage visitors not to be deterred by the ‘closed sign’, the market is still very much open for business during this time.”
Below: Visitors show their support on Sunday by giving Market House a “hug”
Nick Johnson, Director of Market Operations, said: “Market House has quickly found its way into people’s hearts and in a very short time became one of the busiest places to eat in the North of England, regularly feeding over 6,000 people a week.
“I know I speak for all our loyal customers, followers on social media and the many hundreds who turned out to urge a speedy recovery on Sunday who will be happy to hear that we are working in partnership to secure the speediest return possible.”
The outdoor and undercover markets are still open and operating as normal with temporary stalls for some of the food traders from Market House.
Below: Market House on the morning after the fire
