Last night saw the arrival of nine enormous wooden beams which were shipped from Denmark where they had to be constructed. The beams which were transported by lorry and ferry, heading to Leicester via Harwich, will form the supports for the roof of the new food hall.
Once complete, the new glass, steel and timber food pavilion will house fish and meat traders.
European funding of almost £2million has been awarded to Leicester City Council to help progress plans for the redevelopment of the city’s indoor market hall.
The European Regional Development Fund has awarded the city council £1.9million to help pay for the creation of a new public square and the demolition of the existing 1970s indoor market building.
The award means that the city council can now progress proposals to build an extension to the rear of the Corn Exchange as part of the second phase of the market development scheme.
Work will then begin to demolish the 1970s indoor market building and replace it with an attractive open space paved with porphyry stone.
At the rear of the Corn Exchange, a new extension would provide space for a cafe or restaurant.
A terrace on top of the extension – linked to the currently vacant upper floor of the Corn Exchange – would overlook the new market space, offering views of the market conservation area and the activity taking place in the square below.
A planning application for the extension to the Corn Exchange is due to be submitted before the end of the year. Planning approval for the demolition of the indoor market building has already been granted.
