THERE'S not long to wait now before the new temporary market opens so we thought we would answer some of the questions we keep seeing cropping up online and clear things up once and for all. 

When does the temporary market open?

The new temporary market will open on Saturday, September 2 at 9.30am to the public. 

Why is it a 'temporary' market?

The opening next week is the first step in a chain of events that will bring about the £120m redevelopment of Warrington town centre. 

Once all traders are rehoused in the temporary market, the old market building will be demolished so work can start on the new building. 

Work is expected to be completed by the summer of 2020 when traders will move into their new permanent home. 

During the planning stage, the council said it would be necessary to deliver the scheme in two construction phases in order to 'minimise disruption for the market traders'.

What else is being built as part of the redevelopment?

The old market building is being demolished to make room for new council offices, a multi-screen Cineworld and restaurants as well as the 80 stall permanent new market building. 

Once the new permanent market building is complete, traders will move in and the temporary market could be turned into more restaurants. 

Andy Ward, project manager of the new Warrington Market, said: “After the market has moved out, the building may be carved up into several restaurants or it may go in its entirety for leisure.”

Are any other buildings being demolished along Bridge Street?

The former Boots building will be demolished although the grade II listed facade on the site will be preserved and incorporated into the new market building serving as one of its entrances.

The memorial plaque to Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball will also be preserved.

Work is expected to start from September 4 and expected to finish by the end of 2019.

Will all the same stalls be in the temporary market?

There will be 54 stalls in total with many moving from the old market as well as a number of new traders. 

We revealed the complete list last week which you can read here.  

What can I expect in the new food court?

There's nine different hot food outlets surrounding a new centralised seating area with free Wi-Fi. 

The choice includes:

  • a traditional British carvery
  • pasta bar
  • gourmet hot dogs
  • burgers from a Cafe at the End of the Universe which also sells sci-fries
  • a Thai takeaway
  • Chinese takeaway
  • Bakery/sandwich bar
  • Dreamshakes

But the food options don't stop there...

There's also

  • a Thai grocer
  • a new fruit and veg outlet run by fish and game expert Andrew Leicester who will be serving Prosecco and oysters from his fish stall
  • family butchers John Cross and Roy Sweeney
  • Singletons - deli, fresh bread, sandwiches and coffee
  • Mr Freshness - meats and hot food
  • The Real Ale Shack - real ales alongside a cold meat platter or Ploughmans

How will it look?

You can see some of our latest pictures in the gallery above

OR you can watch a video of our tour from earlier this week here.