New look for flat iron market on the cards (From Chorley Citizen)

New look for flat iron market on the cards

3:39pm Friday 27th August 2010 in

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STALLS in Chorley’s historic Flat Iron market could be replaced with colourful gazebos.

A report detailing the plans by Chorley Council’s economic development team suggests a trial of four new gazebo style stalls starting in April next year.

Members of the authority’s executive cabinet will consider the idea at their meeting on Thursday, September 2.

It comes after specialist landscaping designers reconsidered the current layout of the market and how it could be improved for stall holders and customers.

Councillor Peter Malpas, who campaigns on improving the town centre and sits on the executive cabinet, said the idea was designed to provide a ‘win win’ situation.

He said: “The idea is to make it more functional for traders and more colourful for shoppers, really adding to the vibrancy of the town centre. The gazebos we have looked at are colourful and contemporary, which is exactly what we want for Chorley.

“We’re a proud market town with a strong heritage, but we need to be up to date and attractive too. Our current stalls are difficult to erect and not ideal for the modern market trader – these gazebos could be ideal.”

Traders on the market have been informed and encouraged to give their views. If the trial is a success, the council has plans to add a further 32 gazebo stalls at a later date.

Councillor Malpas said: “Some traders have their own stalls and we won’t discourage them for bringing them to Chorley – but they might be able to update them in keeping with our new style, if it goes ahead.

“We’re hoping the new gazebos will also attract new stall holders. We love the Flat Iron market and the atmosphere it brings to town on Tuesdays and are keen to do everything we can to enhance it.”