Preston Market Hall reveals new canopy design to protect traders and shoppers from freezing temperatures

A new canopy design has been unveiled at Preston Market Hall to help protect traders and shoppers from the venue's freezing winter temperatures.
The aim of the walkway canopies is to retain the heat already generated in the Market Hall, rather than introduce additional heat sourcesThe aim of the walkway canopies is to retain the heat already generated in the Market Hall, rather than introduce additional heat sources
The aim of the walkway canopies is to retain the heat already generated in the Market Hall, rather than introduce additional heat sources

Preston City Council has temporarily installed a prototype section of the proposed canopy, which is designed to improve conditions in the Market Hall when it is completed next year.

Made from steel frames and filled with clear plastic panels, the new canopy is designed to reduce draught which led to uncomfortable conditions for traders and shoppers last winter.

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The Council said the new structure will sit above the internal walkways between stalls, and will preserve the traditional appearance of the original 1875 canopy.

A prototype section of the proposed canopy design has been temporarily installed to improve conditions at Preston Market Hall. Pic: Preston City CouncilA prototype section of the proposed canopy design has been temporarily installed to improve conditions at Preston Market Hall. Pic: Preston City Council
A prototype section of the proposed canopy design has been temporarily installed to improve conditions at Preston Market Hall. Pic: Preston City Council

The prototype is situated in the north west corner of the Market Hall, close to Brew + Bake cafe and Pickles of Preston.

The Council has not provided an estimated completion date, but said work on the new canopy is expected to begin soon.

It said timescales for the project are currently being planned with tenants.

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Traders have complained of freezing temperatures in the multi-million pound facility since it reopened in February 2018.

Jonathan Strand from Arthur Strand, Sam Livesey from Livesey's Butchers and Rebecca Fausset from Brew + Bake reveal how cold it can get inside Preston's Market HallJonathan Strand from Arthur Strand, Sam Livesey from Livesey's Butchers and Rebecca Fausset from Brew + Bake reveal how cold it can get inside Preston's Market Hall
Jonathan Strand from Arthur Strand, Sam Livesey from Livesey's Butchers and Rebecca Fausset from Brew + Bake reveal how cold it can get inside Preston's Market Hall

The draughty glass building, which cost the Council £3million, has even been nicknamed "The Ice Cube” among stall holders.

Last year, the Council installed two sets of automatic sliding doors on the breezy western side of the market – opposite the top of Orchard Street – to block off the draughts.

Funding for the new canopy was agreed by Preston City Council on August 22, as part of a major capital investment scheme to improve conditions in the Market Hall.

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Sam Livesey, chairman of the Traders Association at Preston Markets said: "This prototype is a good first step in the Council’s solution to the current conditions in the Market Hall.

Preston City Council said the new canopy design will improve the environment throughout the year and ensure it is more comfortable for customers and traders. Pic: Preston City CouncilPreston City Council said the new canopy design will improve the environment throughout the year and ensure it is more comfortable for customers and traders. Pic: Preston City Council
Preston City Council said the new canopy design will improve the environment throughout the year and ensure it is more comfortable for customers and traders. Pic: Preston City Council

"The traders will be working with the council to decide an installation plan that will cause the least disruption, while installing the new canopies as quickly as possible."

"Preston Markets is full of excellent products and we need Prestonians to support these local businesses and enjoy what Preston Markets has to offer especially over the upcoming festive period."

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