Dudley market plans a makeover with new food stalls and CCTV to deter yobs
Dudley: The market is getting a fresh makeover! They’re planning to add pop-up food stalls and install new CCTV cameras to tackle the yobs causing trouble. The plans have been sent to Dudley Council, and the regeneration chief is on board with the changes.
If everything goes smoothly, they’ll remove eight traders’ benches to make way for a cozy seating area with glass screens, kind of like a café vibe. The council’s architects believe this will help draw more visitors and give the market a much-needed boost.
They’re also looking to create a flexible space for traders who don’t need fixed spots. Originally, there was talk of a permanent café, but that idea got scrapped because the costs were just too high.
Instead, the new plan includes space for food vans right next to the seating area. Plus, they hope to use this area for public performances and community events, all under a canopy to keep everyone dry.
Traders have mentioned that anti-social behavior has been a real issue, making it tough for businesses to thrive. So, the new plans include adding CCTV to help keep things in check. They’re also tackling the pigeon problem with spikes on the roof beams to keep those pesky birds away.
Time is of the essence, though! They’ve got £150,000 from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund that needs to be spent by March 2025. A report from Dudley’s head of culture and leisure, which got the green light from the council’s director, said the new market design will support local businesses and create jobs.
They’re aiming for a safe and clean space for everyone, and once the revamp is done, they’ll look for someone to manage the market. Exciting times ahead for Dudley!
