Leicester Temporary Market Could Stay Open For Years Due To Delays

Leicester Market might stay put for a while. Shops moved to Green Dragon Square during building work in late 2023 because the original plan expected building to finish in ten months. But, the work did not go as expected.

The city stopped the first plan in May 2024. They considered making the site just for events, which made traders worry about losing their old spot. New plans came out in October, proposing to share space for events and stalls.

A year later, the future is still unclear as the shared space plan is likely but needs approval from the city leader. Also, a planning application needs approval before anything can move forward.

The new plan has 48 stalls near the indoor market, which could be removed for events. Only food vendors can use the new stalls creating worries for other sellers about where they will go.

The delays at the market mean the city needs more time at Green Dragon Square where original permission had a time limit. The council now wants to use the Square until March 2027, even though they hoped traders would return by the end of 2026.

The council said the market plan changed, therefore, they need more time for the temporary market at Green Dragon Square. Council staff are planning the new market design and are figuring out the project’s costs. If they get permission, work might start soon.