Gravesend’s 750-year-old market will have a £1.8 million facelift,  it was revealed today (Jan 26).

Gravesham Council will revamp the historic charter market, between the old High Street and Queen Street, with a Big Lottery grant from the Coastal Communities Fund.

It is hoped the cash will transform the market into a thriving retail centre and creative hub and create 35 jobs as well as boost nearby businesses. The market was first granted a charter in 1268.

However some traders are concerned about the length of time renovation will take.

Rajander Atwal, of Atwal Fabric, told News Shopper: "It will kill my business, I know that. It might build up again but I don’t know. 

"I’m worried about it. I have a big stall with lots of materials and it will be hard to move it.

"My business is doing ok at the moment and I like how the market looks.

"I’ve been running my stall for 11 years so I don’t want to have to build it up again." 

Janet Aspinall has had a pet supplies stall in the market for almost 30 years.

She said: "The council doesn’t know how long it will take to transform the market yet, a ballpark figure is about three months, and I can’t afford not to have a business for three months.

"They might house us in an empty shop but that’s not suitable for the kind of supplies I get.

"It will be great to come back to a lovely new market but I might not have a business to come back to."

Gravesham Council’s leader Councillor John Burden said: “It is very good news that the merit of the council’s initiative to refurbish one of the oldest charter markets in England has been recognised with this award.

News Shopper:

“The council will now be able to progress our plans to rejuvenate and transform the market so it can once again take its place at the very heart of this riverside heritage town.”

Coastal Communities Minister Penny Mordaunt said: “These fantastic projects demonstrate the creativity, enterprise and passion needed to help seaside towns become year round destinations that people are proud to live and work in.”

The Coastal Communities Fund was created in 2012 to invest in coastal towns to help them achieve their economic potential, reduce unemployment and create new opportunities for young people.

Gravesham Council applied for this lottery funding after commissioning the plans last year.

What do you think of the plans? Call the newsdesk on 01689 885 721 or email hwood@london.newsquest.co.uk