Prototype stall unveiled to traders at Preston Market

The event - an intensive planning session - was held earlier this year with the brief to design a stall for the outdoor market, which was easy to set up and versatile enough to meet the needs of all traders.

Now, inspired by initial student designs, plus feedback from traders, Professor Charles Quick of In Certain Places and architect John Bridge of FWP came up with the final design.

The prototype, made by local joiner, Smithy Joinery, is constructed from ply and soft wood with nylon wheels.

Each stall consists of three different sized units, which can be arranged in different combinations.

University of Central Lancashire Professor Charles Quick said: “Real life design challenges can present fantastic opportunities. The excitement being you just never know what may become of them.

“The design of a new outdoor market stall for traders is one of those challenges that has come to fruition. We’re excited to see the outcome of the trial period and, if successful, seeing this stalls used throughout the Outdoor Market.”

Outdoor market trader Pete Burns said: “I enjoyed being part of the design charrette back in January and able to contribute to the design with my 25 years’ experience and knowledge trading on Preston Market. I am looking forward to trialling the new stall and hopefully using it regularly.”

Coun Peter Rankin, leader of Preston Council, said: “It’s brilliant that UCLan and market traders have been able to collaborate on this project.

“Hopefully the trialling of the prototype will be successful and I look forward to hearing the feedback from all involved.”