Market opens in London Road

The Open Market, a community-led regeneration scheme looking to breathe new life into the London Road area, has formally opened for business.

Included in a £20 million investment by The Hyde Group and the city council, the market is part of a mixed-use scheme that includes 87 affordable homes, 45 permanent market stalls and 12 workshops for artists and designers.

The shopping scheme is being run as a social enterprise, creating about 100 full-time jobs while also supporting local and regional suppliers and producers. It is hoped it will also act as a meeting place for the local community and a must- visit shopping destination for day- trippers and tourists.

Locally-sourced produce is on offer alongside furniture and accessories. Visitors can also grab a snack or pamper themselves at the beauty salon.

David Gannicott, Hyde's business development director, said: 'This excellent project is a great example of what can be achieved when you combine a business head with a social heart.'