The doors to Gorton’s brand-new market will officially open to the public on Saturday 28 June.
The launch of Manchester Gorton Market will be marked by the Lord Mayor of Manchester, who will unveil the commemorative plaque, and also the chance to win a brand new car - an 08 plate Chevrolet Kalos.
As part of the on-going regeneration of East Manchester, the bespoke designed indoor market hall has been relocated to the totally refurbished Co-op Pioneer Store building on Garrett Way, off Hyde Road.
The 23,000 sq ft, high-concept building is a market for the twenty-first century offering tremendous value for money on a range of high quality goods including the latest fashions, sportswear, household items and electrical equipment. There is also an internet cafe and a nail bar, offering some pampering for busy shoppers.
The food hall will offer a vast choice of fresh produce including local fish, meats vegetables and cheeses as well as hot and cold prepared food, cakes and smoothies.
Mark Legomski, Head of Markets for Manchester City Council said: "Our markets offer tremendous value for money and with the current credit crunch impacting on most of our wallets, they are becoming increasingly popular with a new wave of customers who are
"We have invested greatly in improving the facilities and provision for visitors to Gorton Market and are confident they will enjoy their shopping experience, while making their money stretch further."
Gorton Market has always prided itself on its welcoming atmosphere and personal service and now, with its new facilities, aims to become a focal point for the Gorton community.
Councillor Paul Andrews, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services at Manchester City Council said: "Gorton Market was once the mainstay of the local community, and we hope to see a return to this with the market once again becoming the first port of call for local residents. Having seen the beautiful new facilities and the variety of products offered by our traders, I am confident that this can be achieved and am very much looking forward to the opening."
Gorton's heritage is also to be celebrated within the market hall with a 34-metre long mosaic adorning the interior. The artwork has been created by members of the Gorton Visual Arts group with guidance by celebrated local artist Ian McKay: "The mosaic is a celebration of Gorton's existence and evokes the memories of Belle Vue's bygone days as one of the premier tourist attractions of the North West. This is a massive piece of public art, which will be the backdrop to the new market bringing traders and shoppers together in shared memories of the area."
The opening celebrations for Manchester Gorton Market will take place from 11.30am on Saturday 28 June, with the official opening ceremony performed by the Lord Mayor of Manchester from 11.45am.
Entertainment will include face painting, balloon modeling, a Charlie Chaplin impersonator and a juggling clown. There will also be a string quartet, the Carlton Ensemble.
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