Bedworth indoor market make-over plans revealed with new 'glazed entrance'

[dutchman]

£700,000 had been set aside to pay for the improvements



Make-over plans for Bedworth's indoor market have been revealed. It has been more than a year since the council announced it planned to put £700,000 from funding it has received into improving the covered market on Mill Street.

A review was underaken to decide the future of the indoor market and then announced that, after exploring several options including moving it, decided to give it a huge make-over instead. Now these plans have been officially submitted.

In the planning application it explains the make-over will be both inside and outside of the indoor market. Among the major changes inside include a new 'glazed entrance'.

"A new central area will be established, with a mix of movable furniture including tables, benches and stools, along with feature lighting at a lower level to create a more inviting area. This space is designed to be versatile, serving as both a welcoming environment for everyday use and avenue for events.

"The existing gazebos will be cleaned and some relocated to accommodate a new glazed entrance, further enhancing the market's accessibility and visual appeal."

The refurbishment will retain the individually lockable stalls but they will be updated including new electric roller shutters installed to the face of the stalls. The exterior doors of the stalls will be replaced with new toughened and laminated single-glazed doors with Secured By Design ironmongery, which will allow traders to operate even when the main market is closed.

Inside, the current manual roller shutters will be upgraded to modern electric roller shutters. The existing roller shutters will be replaced with secure toughened and laminated single-glazed screens and lockable doors with Secured By Design ironmongery to improve security.

Additionally, the vehicle access roller shutters will be replaced with updated electric roller shutters. Durable external cladding will be added to enhance the market’s appearance and provide an additional layer of security for the stalls. "This will be over-clad as an additional layer rather than replacing any elements of the existing stalls," the report adds.

The existing clock will be retained and will 'remain a central feature to preserve the historical character and heritage of the market.'

Vehicle and pedestrian access will continue through the roller shutters located at both ends of the building, providing entry to Mill Street and Congreve Walk. Pedestrian access from Church Way into the market will also remain as it is, along with the roller shutters on the opposite side of the building leading to the alleyway.

Access to the units, both inside and outside the market, will remain unaffected. It has been said that the proposed works will not impact the current operation of the units.

Also, existing columns and beams will be cleaned and repainted to remove flaking paint, with a dark grey/black finish and new feature lighting will be installed. The existing gazebos will be cleaned and some relocated to accommodate a new 'glazed entrance'.

The application concludes: "Overall, the refurbishment aims to improve the indoor market's quality, enhance security with upgraded roller shutters, and create a warm and inviting atmosphere for both unit owners and visitors. The goal is to ensure the market remains a vibrant and attractive destination for the community."

The plans are now being looked at by officers at the Town Hall. A decision will be taken at a later date.