The first traditional street market in central London for half a century has opened this week after a £1 million regeneration project.
The Maida Hill Market will be Westminster's first new regular market for 50 years and marks a renaissance in street markets as a way of attracting people back to their local shopping areas.
The new market forms a key part of the regeneration of the former crime hotspot by Westminster Council, which includes new paving, lighting, trees and seating areas and also boasts increased police patrols and extra CCTV as part of its Civic Streets programme.
It will offer fruit and vegetables and flowers as well as take-away food including paella, crepes and roast meats.
Nicola Charles, who is a consultant on the redevelopment of New Covent Garden Market (NCGM) and has a sweet stall at Maida Hill, told freshinfo: “It has been quite a lengthy process. I live in the area and there has been some social problems so everyone has been right behind the redevelopment.
“It’s a case of wait and see really. There are several stalls that source from New Covent Garden, as well as a grower who has a pitch.”
The market will be operated by French firm the Geraud Group, with around 20 stall holders trading from Thursday to Saturday. It was opened by the mayor Thursday after a trial last weekend.
Cllr Brian Connell, Westminster City Council's cabinet member for economic development and family policy, said: "All too often in the past we've seen stories of people desperately trying to stop their local markets closing down but now this brand-new market looks set to help boost owners of small businesses.
"Market stalls often help create a real sense of community and are also good for the environment as they use less packaging and encourage people to shop locally rather than driving them to large supermarkets."
And in a bid to entice even more shoppers away from out-of-town malls a temporary piano will be placed in the square as part of mayor Boris Johnson's Sing London project.
Helen Evans, information officer for the Covent Garden Market Authority, told freshinfo: “We are absolutely delighted with the announcement, it is further confirmation of the vibrancy and importance of markets.
“I know there are plans for a market in Clapham sourcing from NCGM so it is great to see Westminster and Lambeth councils recognising the importance of markets. As the population moves, new markets will always spring up and they are not in decline as research as shown.”
It is hoped the new market will help breathe new life into the area.
There are also plans to use the market to support local businesses by organising a series of community enterprise markets on the site, which will be run by the Harrow Road Neighbourhood Enterprise Centre in partnership with the Harrow Road Neighbourhood Partnership.
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