City 'transformed' by new market as major milestone reached

Chester Market is celebrating a major milestone as the venue reaches its second birthday today. The award-winning site first opened its doors on November 8, 2022 and has since welcomed nearly five million customers through its doors.

The market was praised for 'transforming' Chester city centre, with an array of food and drink offerings as well as traders operating out of the Northgate premises. Since the ribbon was cut on the venue two years ago, it has gone from strength to strength.

Cheshire West and Chester Council cabinet member for inclusive economy, regeneration and digital transformation Councillor Nathan Pardoe said: "It's wonderful to see Chester Market going from strength to strength with all stalls occupied and attracting such quality new goods and service traders whilst continuing to achieve such a huge footfall is a tremendous feat.

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"The market has helped transform the city centre and is now a huge hit with residents and visitors alike; our plans for Northgate Phase 2 will help to further boost the city centre by creating new spaces to live work and play to replace the former market and Forum site."

Cheshire Live reports that a prize package of £200 market vouchers and goodies as well as a 12-month membership to the Picturehouse cinema is on offer for the five millionth lucky customer. During the birthday weekend - November 8-10 - free market tote bags will be available from the goods traders on any purchases over £10.

The market has been recognised by industry experts for setting a new benchmark in how to revive an existing market and pioneer improvements such as extended opening hours, providing a broader range of goods and authentic street food options plus creating a vibrant and inclusive social space that has increased footfall five-fold compared to the old market’s last year of operation in 2021.

The market was also recently hailed by Muddy Stilettos as Chester’s top place to eat, as part of its best places to live in 2025 rankings which compared towns and cities across the county. The council-operated market is described as the cornerstone of the first phase of the Northgate development.

In the run-up to Christmas, the market will be open on a Monday. This starts from November 18 until December 30 from 10am to 10pm. Located less than an hour's drive from Liverpool, the market is a popular destination for shoppers making a day trip to Chester to enjoy the historic city centre.

One of Chester Market's newest additions is a Merseyside-owned store selling a wide range of jewellery, cards, candles, scents, home fragrances, art prints and craft kits. Owned by partners Yasmin and James, & Friends was born in summer 2023 with their first shop launching in Heswall.

Chester Market is their second outlet. James said: “We’re big on shopping small, so the driving force behind & Friends is to give small businesses, designers and makers the opportunity to get ‘retail ready’ and showcase their brands in a professional retail setting and championing them to our customers. We are delighted to be expanding into the incredible Chester Market and look forward to expanding our range and offering craft courses too.”