Visitors to Pontefract will see a new look to the market the next time they drop in, as work to refurbish and modernise it has now finished.
Wakefield Council has spent £1.136 million in making improvements to Pontefract market which last year attracted a million visitors.
It’s the latest to benefit from the council’s investment of almost £6.5 million to improve the district’s markets. Funding was approved in 2020 for four markets to be renovated as part of the markets improvement programme.
Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “It’s brilliant to see the market hall and the incredible work that has gone into transforming it, to give traders and shoppers the best facilities.
“We took the decision to invest in its future because an independent review we commissioned in 2018 found that, with some changes, the market could continue to be sustainable.
“Markets play a significant role in bringing shoppers to the town centres and they contribute to our aim of growing the local economy and providing employment opportunities to residents.”
Pontefract market has been renovated both inside and outside with new flooring, wiring, lighting, ceilings, and shutters. Repairs have been made to the roof to make it waterproof. The walls, ceilings and frames have also been redecorated to give the market a fresh look.
Outside, feature lighting has also been installed to highlight the Grade II listed market facade, that was designed by Joseph Wilson and opened in 1860 by former Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston. Local ward councillors have also funded repairs to the traditional red telephones boxes.
Pontefract is the second of the four markets to be completed. Work on Normanton finished in May. Of the remaining two, Castleford will complete in Spring 2024 and work on South Elmsall will start around this time.
