Electrical works carried out at market
Shrewsbury Market Hall will remain fully open as normal while major works take place to upgrade one of Shrewsbury’s main electricity substations, situated within the basement of the building.
Western Power Distribution (WPD) is carrying out the essential work that will improve power supplies throughout Shrewsbury town centre.
The work is expected to take until early November.
The market’s Bellstone entrance will be accessible as normal while the Undercroft entrance, normally accessed from both Shoplatch and Claremont Street, will be accessible from only the Shoplatch side of the building.
Site facilities manager Kate Gittins said: “These are essential public works that will benefit the infrastructure of Shrewsbury town centre.
“Public safety barriers have to be in place and, as a result, there will be some disruption to the pavement area on the Shoplatch side of the building.
“However, the Market Hall will continue to be open to the public as normal with both entrances giving access to the building.
“The Market Hall has enjoyed some highly successful events recently, including a Lifestyle Festival, Summer Celebration and roof-top tours, and we plan more special events and tours over the coming months.”
Town clerk Helen Ball said: “Western Power Distribution has begun a 16-week essential programme of upgrading the substation in the basement of the building but keeping the Market Hall open to the public remains a priority.”
WPD, the electricity distributor for the region, is investing £285,000 in the work.
It is necessary because the equipment is as the end of its life cycle and electricity load growth demands additional power supply to the town centre.
The work involves replacing three transformers, weighing four tonnes each. Investigations also revealed a considerable amount of asbestos that also has to be removed and disposed of safely.
Part of Shoplatch will be closed from August 13-17 and September 2-8 to allow crane access to remove and replace the transformers.
WPD is liaising with Shropshire Council, the Highways Authority, Shrewsbury Town Council, Shrewsbury Business Improvement District and the Market Hall to minimise disruption to businesses and local residents.
