Council purchases historic Wellington Market

Following funding from the Government's Capital Regeneration Programme fund, Telford & Wrekin Council has purchased the historic Wellington Market.

The marketplace has played an integral role in the town for centuries, having been granted a Royal Charter in 1244.

Recent revitalisation efforts of the Victorian market have seen the addition of a thriving food court, outdoor pop-up market and entertainment area.

Telford & Wrekin Council now say the funding and subsequent purchase will allow the council to restore the historic structure and transform the market's entrances.

Councillor Lee Carter said: "The acquisition and restoration of Wellington Market is a testament to our commitment to the community and our high streets.

"This project creates a significant opportunity to enhance the market into a modern, thriving venue at the heart of Wellington.

"We’ve made a significant commitment to Wellington through our Pride in Your High Street Fund which has driven the number of empty shop units down and added variety to the offer in Wellington.

"This investment will allow us to continue the positive regeneration of Wellington alongside the regeneration work ongoing across all of our High Streets across the borough.”

Wrekin MP, Mark Pritchard, has welcomed the major government investment.

In this year's Spring Budget, the Chancellor of the Exchequer confirmed the largest single investment in Wellington's history, with the MP calling it an "economically historic day for Wellington".

Mark Pritchard said: "I am thrilled that, after years of making the case for new investment into Wellington, the Government has listened and has now put record investment into the town.

"Having been given this money by the Government, it is now vital that Telford & Wrekin Council spends the funds wisely and fully consult about the market’s remodelling.

"The Council should remodel the market in consultation with existing and future market traders to expand its retail offer, bring more people into Wellington, and boost the town's economy."

Updates about the Wellington Market project will be made available online at: telfordtownsfund.co.uk/info/18/levelling-up-fund