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Market in Northenden approved along with £500,000 investment

Laura Thistlethwaite
28/ 2/2008

NORTHENDEN Farmers’ Market is to become a permanent fixture at the heart of a £500,000 regeneration scheme.

The specialist food market on Palatine Road, which came to the end of a six month trial this week, has been given the go-ahead to continue operating on the first Saturday of each month, due to its overwhelming popularity with customers, traders and local businesses.

Manchester City Council also announced they would run another six-month pilot scheme, starting in April, to allow the market to open on the third Saturday of the month.

Councillor Mike Kane, who has led the campaign from the beginning, said it will bring massive opportunities for the village, including the potential for different types of market. He said: "The response from the community has been amazing. This is a great thing, not just for Northenden, but for the whole of south Manchester.

"The effects of regeneration can already be seen in the work being carried out on Palatine Road – we have had CCTV installed, a traders association has been set up and now there will be £500,000 set aside for a new service road, lights, underground power for stalls and other improvements.

"Now there is the potential for other types of market to be introduced, perhaps a clothes market or antiques. This is certainly something we can start working on now."

Residents were thrilled to hear the news. Dan Moynihan, of Northenden Civic Society, said: "I am absolutely delighted, the market will definitely have a beneficial effect on the area.

"It will really boost Northenden as a district shopping centre. There has been a decline over the past 40 years but now things are on the up, a regular market will not only bring better shopping to Northenden, but contribute a huge amount to community spirit and cohesion."

Situated on the newly refurbished slip road off Palatine Road, the market benefits from free parking for visitors and offers produce such as fruit, vegetables, meat and fish along with luxury foods, such as home-made pies, olives, fudges and toffee.

In addition to recent improvements, trees will be planted along the parade to create an "avenue effect" and highlight it as a focal point for the district centre. New parking bays will be added to replace the current informal parking on the slip road; new paving stones are being laid and new litter bins and benches will be placed along the street. Cycle parking facilities will also be added.

Councillor Eddy Newman, executive member for neighbourhood services said: "The local community has supported the market from day one as a service that is of real value to them. I am delighted that we can now build on this to provide a permanent market that continues to offer an excellent choice to the people of Manchester. "

The next market will be on Saturday, March 1, from 10am until 4pm.