Darley Street Market Opening Uncertainty Causes Concern for Traders

The Darley Street Market opening faced delays. R N Wooler will fit the fresh food areas. They will also work on the non-food floors, creating drawings for each trader’s stall. Then, they will complete the stall setup for traders. This work is for the middle and lower floors.

Traders are eager to move to the new market. Oastler Centre and Kirkgate Market look deserted, with many shops having closed. Traders feel hope has vanished from these markets and voiced strong desire for the Darley Street Market move.

Vinny Chauhan runs A and J shoe repairs in Oastler Centre since 37 years. He says business is very bad, seeing few customers these days, and he compares it to Covid times. Traders heard the move is around June or July, with rent expected to be double at the new market.

Another shop owner said customers think they are closed, some returning after a year due to closures. Northgate Bistro is moving after 18 years. Owner Janet Horley says the market is now dead, and they are struggling to stay open until the move.

Gunther Giangregorio owns Roswitha’s Delicatessen. He is eager for the move to happen soon and they are working out the costs. He hopes for no more delays and wants to be where there are more people.

One customer was shocked by all the closures he saw. Primark’s departure hurt Kirkgate Market traders. Attaf Hussain owns clothing shop Singers and he will not move to the new market, potentially closing in May.

Alyson Storey runs Sweet Success. She said Baxendall’s Cafe closing hurt them and she is amazed many businesses remain. Saturday business is now much slower. Bradford Council didn’t comment on the opening date.