Funding for the makeover of Surrey Street Market has been more than doubled after Croydon Council secured an extra £600,000 for the project.
The 700-year-old market is set for a £1.1 million renovation with the street being levelled out and made more pedestrian friendly.
Initially £500,000, the new budget will also be used to create public art and a new design for the market to attract visitors from High Street and North End.
Improved signage, street lighting and architectural lighting on building façades will also be installed if property owners give permission.
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Its Sunday market offers street food, homemade and artisan produce, arts and crafts, vintage and retro goods and street entertainment
The council has started talks with some property owners, and further discussions are still to be held as plans develop.
More than 50 traders, businesses and residents attended an event last week to discuss key areas of the project.
These included the need for regular updates about future disruption while the works are carried out, the need to install barriers to reduce unlawful vehicle access onto the market, seating provision and the need to protect the market’s cultural heritage.
A follow up consultation event will be held in the coming weeks to discuss the minor improvements including public art, improved ways to help visitors locate the market from the town centre and the future of the market itself.
Councillor Mark Watson, cabinet member for economy and jobs, said: “I’m delighted this funding will allow us to make improvements that will further enhance the offerings of Surrey Street and be of great benefit to the existing market traders and businesses in the vicinity.
“We’ve already taken steps to boost growth in trade and to help ensure the market becomes a truly vibrant, seven-days-a-week venue where visitors can enjoy a range of activities including shopping, meeting with friends, eating and viewing art.
“The council has listened to what the market traders have said and is now acting on it to help create a vibrant market that will rival some of London’s best.”
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