Markets are the beating heart of any town or city, the one place where locals can shop, dine and work all under one roof.
Nurcan and her business partner Steve are hopeful to see the arrival of the new Animate development - an entertainment and leisure complex - which they agree will generate more footfall to the markets. Preston City Council marked the start of the building phase of the project in January 2023 on the site of the former indoor market and multi-storey car park.
"Having so many local producers is a big selling point for the markets, these are businesses where people can go to get get good stuff. So we're not doing necessarily the cheapest stuff, we're doing what we're good at, good food."Next door to Nurcan and standing front and centre in the market hall is Peter, who has been in the markets' industry for over 40 years.
"The markets are getting better now, I think it's the place to be in town now to be honest. It's got a buzz about it that has improved since Covid and we've the added pluses of the neighbouring developments - this areas is going to be vibrant," David said. "Once I looked into it it all went from there. The hall has a nice environment and the biggest benefit for me is I have access to all the suppliers here too. I use the meat from Livesey’s Butchers, fruit and veg from Fresh and Fruity, dairy from Pickles of Preston so it's fresh ingredients every morning.
"I've watched the markets change, fifty years ago I remember Asda arriving in Preston and I think that was the downfall of markets. Markets now offer a changed concept, we offer quality, that's what I attract customers with," Mark said. The man behind the counter, Adrian, says he welcomed the changes that came to Preston's market and welcomes yet more change to the surrounding area. He said: "The markets have given me a great opportunity which I've taken with both hands, a small shop nowadays is very difficult to get people in because once you get through that little door you're committed.
The fruit and veg trader says despite some setbacks at the start, the newer market hall has become a focal point in the city once again. "It's changed a lot now from the old markets and I'd say it's a lot better now," he said. "Because all the market stalls are all independently run, it does a lot for the small businesses because shops are so hard for money and rent nowadays, markets are little bit different and we keep our costs down a little bit more which is great for the community. "Rewind back to the late 1600s and it's then that the first signs of a local market was born in Preston.
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