MOVING to a new location during a pandemic has presented its fair share of challenges for Warrington Market.

But the team have risen to all of them to create a £11million food hall and modern marketplace for independent traders.

Now Warrington Market’s efforts in ‘overcoming the odds’ have been recognised in an award ceremony which saw it come out on top over the likes of Altrincham Market.

Cheshire Life’s ‘Keep Life Local Awards’ praised the way Warrington Borough Council worked closely with traders to ensure the new building in Time Square could open in July.

The publication highlighted how the facility ‘refreshed and revamped’ Warrington’s offer, replacing an outdated market with a modern experience like Manchester’s Mackie Mayor, Macclesfield’s Picturedrome and Altrincham Market.

‘Covid-secure’ measures were also quickly put in place included new signage, hand sanitiser stations, social distancing rules and restricting visitor numbers.

Warrington Guardian:

A new mobile phone-friendly website was created too for table service in the Cookhouse.

Market manager Andy Ward, said: “It’s so great to be recognised with this award as we head into the end of this difficult year.

“As you can imagine, it has been extremely challenging for everyone opening a new building in the midst of a global pandemic.

“My thanks must go out to everybody who has supported us throughout this endeavour including our staff, traders and of course our loyal customers.”

The Time Square is home to more than 50 independent traders, selling everything from meat, fish, cheese and pies to jewellery, fabric, handbags and clothes and specialising in the likes of musical instruments and shoe repairs. Despite the huge challenges of Covid-19, the market has continued to welcome more than 25,000 visitors a week, not least due to the popularity of the Cookhouse with 12 traders serving a variety of hot and cold street food from around the world.

Warrington Borough council leader Russ Bowden added: “The opening of the new Warrington Market has been a real success story, bringing a new vibrancy to our town centre. We have waited for a long time to have a first class market in the heart of Warrington, and to open the building and welcome so many visitors, safely, in such difficult circumstances, has been a fantastic achievement.”