North Lincolnshire Council look set to invest more money into Scunthorpe Market in a modernisation program to both increase footfall and to save money being spent on business rates.

Earlier this year it was reported on visitscunthorpe.com that nearly £120,000 was spent refurbishing the vacant stalls in the Old Hall then bringing the remaining traders from the outside Barn Area inside at the same time removing some stalls just inside the Old Hall entrance to create a new raised area known as 'The Podium @ Scunthorpe Market,’ which can hold children's activities, fashion shows, craft demonstrations and even tea dances.

That article can be read here; http://www.visitscunthorpe.com/ScunthorpeNews/Headline/119000-Rejuvenation-For-Scunthorpe-Market

Now councillors are to consider spending around £90,000 on further improvements, which is hoped, will reinvigorate the market even more.

The market currently has 58 stalls in the Old Hall of which 48 are let, these trade on a Friday and Saturday whilst the Food Hall has 45 stalls which are currently all occupied. The Food Hall is open to trade six days a week from Monday to Saturday. Further to all these stalls there are two, which still trade at the rear doors to the Old Hall, and one at the back of the Food Hall.

It is thought the area to the rear of the market has become rundown and shabby; there are also health & safety concerns with pedestrians and traffic using the same access. Business Rates are still being paid on the old stalls in the now defunct outside Barn area whilst the high palisade fencing around it makes the area look unattractive.

A number of options have been looked at including closing the market altogether, though officers have recommended to Cabinet a further refurbishment being the most viable option. This will see the demolition of the outside stalls, remodelling of the area and removal of the palisade fencing to create a 90 space, 1 hour free car park. It is hope this would increase footfall to the market as well as to remove the conflict with pedestrians and traffic at the Home Street entrance.

Other plans are to replace the entrance doors to the Old Hall at the front of the market to make it more appealing from the High Street, add better signage, improve lighting and to open the Old Hall to trading six days a week alongside the Food Hall (above right).

The decision for the improvements is expected to take place in the New Year.