Stockport Market crowned Best Small Indoor Market, 2023

Stockport market is celebrating after being named Britain’s best small indoor market at the Great British Market Awards 2023.

Held at a ceremony in Birmingham and organised by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA), the Great British Market Awards are recognised by market operators as the national awards for markets and are the biggest in the market industry, celebrating excellence in retail and wholesale markets across the UK. After a panel of industry experts had examined the many applications, Stockport Market walked away with the top gong at the prestigious industry awards, fending off stiff competition from other markets.

The Victorian Market Hall was praised by the judges for: ‘Having a positive atmosphere with an excellent and exciting variance of stalls with traders and management working as a cohesive unit. The nomination confirms that Christmas 2022 witnessed the market looking its very best with huge community support and pride.’

They also recognised that the market ‘has embraced and made change for the present and long-term benefit of the market itself and its community.’

The market is much loved by local people and visitors alike and is an important part of Stockport’s history. Recent investment in Market Place and the surrounding Underbanks area has attracted new, independent businesses. The indoor market hall is fully occupied and home to over 30 traders selling a huge variety of products, whether it’s a piece of original artwork from Kate O’Brien, fresh products from Wally’s Fruit and Veg or artisan cakes and bread from Sticky Fingers, the market has something for everyone.

Standing in Stockport’s Market Place, the market has a rich and colourful history which dates back to the Saxons. The stunning, Grade 2 listed ‘Glass Umbrella’ roof constructed of timber, iron and glass was erected in 1861, with the surrounding Market Place then home to dungeons, stocks, a whipping post and pillory.

Donna Tuxford, Market Manager, said: “I know the traders are thrilled to have won such an important award. Our traders have operated through some tough times the last couple of years but were always there with a welcome and a familiar face for our many loyal customers. It’s a privilege to operate from such a beautiful, historic building and hopefully this award will encourage more people to pay us a visit and experience that huge Stockport Market welcome, which we’re known for.”

To find out more about Stockport Market, visit: www.stockportindoormarket.com

The market is open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 4.30pm and can be found at Market Place, Stockport, SK1 1ES.

170 new electric buses provide a green route into Stockport

Stockport’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2038 has taken a ride nearer as Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and bus operator Stagecoach have confirmed that an order has been placed for 170 new electric buses to serve routes in and around Stockport from 2024.

Local bus operator Stagecoach’s £37.2 million investment has been match-funded by £35.7 million from Greater Manchester’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) fund and a local contribution of £12.5 million.

All of the new electric buses will be fully accessible, with wheelchair bays, hearing induction loops, audio and visual announcement systems and anti-slip flooring. Welcoming the order for the new electric buses,

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, said: “I am also delighted to announce that by working closely with Stagecoach we will have another 170 brilliant new buses running on our network from next year, with a brand new, world-class electric bus depot.

“This is very much the start of our journey that will ultimately deliver a greener, integrated and more inclusive transport system that will transform how people travel around our city-region.”

Stockport, along with Tameside, Trafford and parts of Salford and Manchester, will see franchised bus services rolled-out by the end of 2024, giving TfGM and local leaders greater powers over fares, bus routes and service frequencies across Greater Manchester.