"A vital part of our city’s heritage": Preston Market Traders to return to their historic canopy next week

Preston Markets’ outdoor traders are set to return to their traditional home beneath the Grade II listed Victorian canopy following a short period of relocation at the end of 2025.

To prepare for their return, the market area will receive a deep clean, ensuring the canopy and market area are ready to welcome traders and visitors once again.

The council has noted that there will be no trading on Monday, January 19 while essential equipment is reinstated.

Normal trading will resume from Tuesday, January 20, starting with the popular Second-Hand Market, which runs every Tuesday and Thursday.

The Outdoor Market will continue its usual schedule on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, offering a wide range of goods and a vibrant shopping experience for all.

Councillor Martyn Rawlinson Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for resources at Preston City Council said: “I am happy to see our traders returning to their rightful place beneath the historic canopy. Preston Markets is a vital part of our city’s heritage and community life, and we appreciate and thank the traders for their flexibility during the festive season. We look forward to welcoming shoppers back to enjoy the unique atmosphere and fantastic local produce that make our markets so special.”

Preston Market Hall will remain unaffected by these changes, with opening hours continuing as usual from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Saturday.

Please note that individual trader opening times may vary.

Discover more about Preston Markets’ Traders, events and history at www.prestonmarkets.co.uk.

What’s the background to this?

Back in October, traders on Preston’s covered outdoor market were told they had to move to one of two new locations - the Box Market canopy (formerly the old fish market) and the front canopy, by the Wallace and Gromit bench.

The forced relocation was due to the work being carried out at Amounderness House, Earl Street, although the health and safety concerns which prompted the markets move did not got in the way of the outdoor ice rink installatation at the outdoor market in late November.

Since moving, Preston market traders spoke often of the widespread frustration and financial stress caused by the move.

As winter arrived the main stickling point was the lack of weatherproofing, which in turn damaged stock and reduced footfall, whilst issues with reduced loading bays persisted.

These complaints prompted the council to suggest that traders would be able to move back to their original Lancaster Road site earlier than expected.

Originally disruption was expected at Preston’s outdoor market until January 2027 but before Christmas the trader’s return to the canopy was brought forward to the New Year.