"The market has been developed to bring back something we felt had been lost when the old market closed..."
Salford's much loved second hand market closed in January 2012 and was subsequently bulldozed to make way for the Precinct's new Aldi store (see previous Salford Star articles – click here and click here).
Now its spirit is set to be re-born with an ambitious new market to be sited across the road from Salford Precinct and Tesco's petrol station on Fitzwarren Street, in the big white building that was once a large carpet warehouse. The owners currently run a second hand store on the site but it is set to get a total makeover to house the new market.
"There will be inside and outside pitches which will start off at around 55 to 65 and when work is finished on the whole building we will bring the number up to 135 to 145" says co-owner Yvonne Youngs "The market is totally second hand, vintage, antique, retro and craft based. We didn't want to take anything away from other traders at the indoor market or shops by selling new, and wanted to bring in extra custom, not thin out what is already there. The market has been developed to bring back something we felt had been lost when the old market closed."
The Fitzwarren Street Market will be open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with antique, vintage and specialist stalls on Thursdays and Saturdays, and general second hand stalls on Fridays and Sundays. There are also plans for themed markets on bank holidays, a Christmas market and possibly a farmers market.
The excuse for shutting the previous Precinct market was that people were selling dodgy DVDs and CDs and, as a response, the new market won't be accepting applications for stalls to sell CDs and DVDs unless they are genuine and second hand.
"We want stalls like second hand books, vintage and second hand clothes, second hand children's ware, china and glass, furniture, military and army surplus" explains Yvonne "We would also be interested in talking to local charities about having stalls so money can be raised for other local causes and people can see money made going back directly into improving lives of the people of Salford.
"We will also be working with City West Housing and hopefully the Princes Trust to encourage people from the local area to set up and start their own business" she adds "There are various grants available for people to start up small businesses which would suit a market stall. We can point people in the right direction to apply for these grants. Also anyone who already runs a craft business or sells second hand on the internet can try out having a stall."
Later in the year there is also talk of putting on a teenage market where youngsters will be encouraged to try their hand at setting up a stall and starting a business.
"We would like to hear from any young people employed or unemployed, at college or university, who think they have an idea that could work" says Yvonne.
Indeed, the Fitzwarren Street Market not only hopes to kickstart new businesses but also provide a community meeting space with short term plans for an outdoor tea bar and long term plans for a cafe…
"We want to build this into the best second hand based market in the North West" Yvonne enthuses. Salford doesn't just need this. It's crying out for it.
• The Fitzwarren Street Market will open on 18th April and stalls can be rented out daily or on a longer term basis.
To book a stall or for any further details on business opportunities call 07572 163117 or 0161 745 7139
See aslo Salford Flea Market on Facebook - click here
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