Today saw the grand opening of Leicester’s new food hall.
Hundreds of shoppers flooded through the doors at the opening today after the ribbon was cut by City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby and Jade Pole from Country Fayre.
The 5,500sqft building provides a new home for the eight traders re-locating from the 1970s indoor market hall that’s no longer fit for purpose.
Adam Piotrowski, the market’s development officer and resident chef, was cooking up treats throughout the morning – including hot sausages, spicy ribs and sautéed prawns – with a selection of breads, cheeses and chutneys also available for tasting.
Leicester City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said “Its very good news for Leicester”
“the market has been at the heart of Leicester for centuries past, and were now making it fit for the 21st century and making sure it continues to have a successful future for generations to come in the way that it has for generations past”
The new food hall is the first phase of the city council’s £9.2 million redevelopment programme for Leicester Market. Planning permission to demolish the old 1970s indoor market has already been granted, with demolition due to be complete by early 2015. A new square will be created in its place, and an extension built to the rear of the Corn Exchange. Phase two of the scheme is due to be completed in the summer of 2015.
