Brighton market to reopen in January

The Open Market in Brighton is due to reopen in January.

About half of the 45 stalls have been let to a mix of established businesses and start-ups, according to the Brighton Open Market Community Interest Company which will run the site.

It is looking for people to rent the rest of the permanent and temporary stalls.

Work on the £20 million project to revamp the Open Market started in January last year.

The project was funded by the building of 87 homes around the site by the Hyde housing association.

Victoria Williams, a director of the community interest company, said: “We’re delighted with the interest we’ve seen in the market from both traders and members of the public.

“Our city is full of enterprising businesses and new ideas. The market will be a place where these can take root and thrive.

“We’re still keen to hear from traders yet to apply for space. Although we’re filling up quickly, there are definitely options still available.”

The original market opened in the 1920s but along with the London Road area has suffered from economic decline.

The revamped market is expected to specialise in fresh, local, healthy food, organic and ethically sourced produce and eco-friendly goods.

It is also expected to create about 100 jobs in addition to having provided work for 80 people during construction.

During construction, training and apprenticeships were given to local people through an onsite training and skills academy set up by Hyde, working with City College Brighton and Hove.