Kelvin Fletcher opens Leek’s renovated market after a £3.4 million update including new businesses and amenities.
New businesses have started there, and Kelvin, who gained fame on Emmerdale, cut the ribbon alongside other officials. The market update is part of three Leek projects funded by the district council’s Levelling Up award.
The projects received £17.1 million to “regenerate Leek.” The leisure centre has been shut for upgrades and the Nicholson Institute will also undergo renovations.
Kelvin moved to North Staffordshire in 2020, purchasing a 120-acre farm. Today, he raises 100 sheep, 30 pigs, 10 horses, and six chickens. He called the changes to the markets “incredible.”
Kelvin, who grew up in Oldham, said its market was pivotal in his youth. He believes markets are vital and represent “the heartbeat of any working town.” They represent community and traders.
Small businesses need them to succeed. He emphasized that Leek’s people are lucky to have the market and that the council has vision. He noted that the council shows faith in the future and that in-person contact is a great experience.
Online shopping is now common, but he prefers buying from people in person, especially from those who made the products. The council has secured a good future and he sees Leek as genuinely special. His cottage visitors often talk about Leek.
People from Leek might be unaware of the rarity of these places, because such places are dying out. He considers Leek special for its community. The council highlighted that this project upgrades the market.
It provides spaces for business and community. It also improves comfort, safety, and security, plus they added Wi-Fi. New themed Friday markets are coming, with fashion on the first Friday.
Food and drink will be mid-month, makers and artists on the third Friday, and vintage items will end each month. Matt Swindlehurst called it “absolutely fantastic,” noting it’s the first of three projects.
He thanked prior and current leaders for their hard work and expressed his gladness that the public uses the facility as intended.
Mike Gledhill said the market blends old with new. People will notice the old market features, including tiles and the building itself. Modern heating and lighting now exist, also skills and branding improved.
Attracting more people will allow them to visit other shops downtown too, because this boosts the whole town, he concluded. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday are market days where the Butter and Trestle market is open. Operating hours are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM featuring local vendors.