Darley Street Market: How many traders have signed up so far

The new market hall is due to open later this year, and will have 80 stalls over three floors.

But so far there has been no indication on which traders will be setting up in the state-of-the-art market. Last year Council officers claimed the first traders would be announced in October – a date that came and went with no announcement.

At a meeting of Bradford Council on Tuesday Councillor Debbie Davies (Cons, Baildon) asked when the announcement might finally be made.

A response from the Council’s Executive said many of the traders for the first two floors of the market had been appointed, and that the authority was “confident” it would be fully let when it opens later this year.

The fresh food floor on the proposed Darley Street Market (Image: Bradford Council)

Darley Street Market is currently being built on the site of the former Marks & Spencer store that the company vacated after moving to the Broadway Shopping Centre in 2015.

Once it is opened both Oastler Market and Kirkgate Market will be shut – with both eventually earmarked for demolition.

Darley Street Market will have one floor dedicated to fresh food, one dedicated to non-food items and the top floor acting as a food court, with hot food vendors and bars.

The development also includes an outdoor City Square.

The Council’s response to Cllr Davies’ question read: “Offer letters have been issued to 44 traders for two of the three trading floors in Darley Street Market, which represents 67 out of a total of 80 stalls/shops.

“To date, 40 traders representing a total of 55 stalls have accepted the Council’s terms with further offer letters to be issued to those other applicants that have products that can add value to the proposed retail mix.

“Details of the successful applicants will start to be announced next month.

The proposed food court at Darley Street Market (Image: Bradford Council)

“Following a recent procurement exercise, the Council intends to appoint an operating partner to manage our food and beverage hall located on the top floor. This floor offers 13 kiosk type stalls and the trader selection process for this floor will take place jointly with our operating partner.

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“We have received strong interest in the new market not just from across Bradford district but also further afield with applications coming from businesses based across York-shire, Lancashire and the Midlands.

“This further strengthens our view that the new market will not only be fully let when it opens but will be one of the best markets in the North of England.”