Works on the Gravesend Market Hall £1.8m revamp are “progressing well”, the council has said. 

The town’s market traders in the High Street shut up shop for the last time on June 6 last year, with ten market stalls relocated to Unit 16/17 in St George’s Shopping Centre.

The new market will have space for up to 21 permanent stalls, 30 temporary stalls, six temporary food catering stalls and a cafe.

It is expected to open later this year although no vendors have yet been signed up as Gravesham Council is only taking expressions of interest.

More than 180 people have expressed an interest in the stalls so far. 

The council is hoping to confirm trading positions from September onwards by implementing “business support sessions” and a site visit that same month.

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Traders loaded out in June 6 last year for the revamp

Four open day sessions in June 21 and 22 and June 28 and 29, were set up specifically for new business start-ups and stall holders to drum up interest in the Gravesend market. 

Brian Horton, owner of Mowbray’s Fine Chocolates said: “I thought the business support sessions were very successful and extremely helpful for most people.

“I do look forward to the future with Gravesend and to me it looks as if a great deal of thought and energy has gone into setting up this market.”

Mr Horton was one of more than 100 people who attended the June events. 

The Market Hall multi-million pound refurbishment was part of the Coastal Communities Fund which is managed by the Big Lottery on behalf of the UK government.

Cabinet member for business development, Cllr Jassal, said: “This project is really progressing well and it’s exciting to see what impact it’s going to have on our town once it’s fully open.

“It’s also really pleasing to see so much interest from local businesses in wanting to sell their products in the new hall.”

The Queen Victoria statue was also granted a £20,000 grant for its repair and cleaning.

For more updates and information please visit www.gravesendboroughmarket.co.uk