Leicester Market to reopen on new market square in April 2027
Leicester Market will reopen on the city’s new market square in April next year, following consultation with market traders over the timing of the move.
All 11 traders affected by the relocation took part in a recent survey, with all expressing a preference to move once the final phase of the market redevelopment works has been completed.
Traders identified weather conditions as their main reason for preferring the later move, while some also highlighted the impact of ongoing construction work and site conditions.
The city council will now work towards reopening Leicester Market on the new market square in April 2027, enabling the relocation to be carefully planned around the preference expressed by traders.
Preparations will include finalising stall layouts, infrastructure and utilities, access arrangements and other operational requirements needed to ensure the move can be carried out safely and effectively.
City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said:
“We’ve worked closely with the traders throughout this major redevelopment of Leicester Market, so it was vital that their views were taken into account when planning their return to the market square.
“We offered the traders the option of moving back in December, as our aim was always to have them back on the square by the end of the year, but the results of the consultation were unanimous and they made their moving date preference very clear. As a result, we will now plan for Leicester Market to reopen on the new market square in April 2027, once the final phase of the redevelopment – Phase 3 – has been completed.
“That gives everyone certainty about the timescale and allows us to make sure that the move is properly planned, coordinated and supported.”
Council officers will now work with the food traders on detailed transition planning, business support and the allocation of stalls within the new market.
Discussions will also continue with dry goods and unit traders to understand their individual circumstances and explore options to support their future business needs.
A further meeting between the City Mayor and the traders’ representatives is planned for December, when more detailed information on the redevelopment programme and relocation arrangements will be available.
Picture caption:
An artist's impression shows how the brand new market stalls could look on Leicester's new market square
Leicester City Council News - Published on Tuesday, November 3, 2026
