Macclesfield's new indoor market has started taking shape.

The first phase of the £1.9 million Macclesfield Market Hall refurbishment has all but been completed.

Traders moved into the completed section over the weekend, welcoming customers from Tuesday (March 11).

A spokesperson for the market said: "We opened our doors this morning with all traders now positioned on the first phased section of the market hall.

"Work will continue behind the white hoarding for phase two but we hope you can start to envision how the market will look in the not too distant future."

They added: "There is now a large new communal seating area so you can take advantage of a lovely comfy seat whilst having a bite to eat.

"Some traders are fully in their new permanent positions whilst others are in temporary locations and will move once more when the next phase is complete.

"We appreciate all the positive comments we have received already today in the market."

The completed area will eventually become a 'food hall' (Credit: Nub News)

Work to refurbish the market in the Grosvenor Shopping Centre started at the end of 2024.

Cheshire East Council is hoping to 're-energise' the site with 'high impact visual enhancements' in a bid to increase footfall.

The project is now halfway through, with traders having relocated into the completed side of the market last weekend.

This area will eventually serve as a 'food hall' and will be the permanent home for businesses such as Stacey's Deli and Fatima's Kitchen.

Meanwhile, other traders have been temporarily relocated, such as Takamine Guitars.

Staff member Kelly Bennett said: "There's still a bit of work going on, but this new layout seems to be attracting a lot of customers."

Traders started welcoming customers on Tuesday (Credit: Nub News)

Also in a new temporary location is Afghan Pure.

Having had a taste of what to expect, owner Waheed Farooqi Zargar can't wait until the refurbishment is complete.

He said: "It is looking much nicer, it is very well organised.

"New customers are seeing us here and coming to look around.

"It's not been easy for traders but I'm sure it will be worth the challenge and the hassle of moving everything around.

"Once it's all done, we are hoping for a boom in footfall. That is what we are expecting so just fingers crossed that happens!"

Afghan Pure's new temporary unit (Credit: Nub News)

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