Whether you’re after a bottle of natural wine or a tea towel stamped with a portrait of the city, you’ll find it at Stockport’s beautiful and historic indoor market. So it’s not surprise that the Stockport treasure has been crowned Best Small Indoor Market 2023.
Stockport Council’s website reported that the market scooped up the prestigious accolade at a ceremony in Birmingham on 26 January. The awards were organised by the National Association of British Market Authorities with the winner chosen by a panel of industry experts – so you could say this is the market equivalent of the Best Picture at the Oscars.
The market was praised for “having a positive atmosphere with an excellent and exciting variance of stalls with traders and management working as a cohesive unit.”
There has long been a huge amount of community support for the market, and this award also recognises that it “has embraced and made change for the present and long-term benefit of the market itself and its community.”
Managed by Market Place Management on behalf of Stockport Council, who took over the running of the market in early 2019, the historic covered hall with its signature Grade 2 listed ‘Glass Umbrella’ roof constructed of timber, iron and glass, dates back to Victorian times and has sat at the heart of Stockport’s ever-changing centre since 1861.
Currently, it holds over 30 independent and traditional traders, including Big Fish Little Fish, The Book Exchange, Charlie’s Cheese, High Lane Model Railways, Kate O’Brien Art, Wally’s Fruit and Veg, Wineboy and more – offering something for everyone.
Cllr Colin MacAlister, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “To be recognised as the best small indoor market in Britain is a fantastic achievement. The market is much loved by local people and visitors alike and is an important part of Stockport’s history. Our investment in Market Place and the surrounding Underbanks has really improved the area and attracted new, independent businesses that really complement the market.
“Congratulations to the traders and management who have so much pride in what they do and are such an important part of our retail community.”
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