Market force: 116 years of trading

The market opened in 1892 and, listed on the record of protected structures, it has changed little since.

The market opened in 1892 and, listed on the record of protected structures, it has changed little since.

On the yellow and redbrick exterior are elaborately decorated representations of goods sold within, while the formal Corinthian entrances on Mary's Lane and Arran Street West feature images of justice and fair trade.

Inside, the glass roof can be seen with its iron supports, which also mark out the various pitches.

The market exterior was cleaned up in 2000, but the interior left unchanged. The smaller neighbouring fish market was also built in the 1890s but left undecorated. It was demolished in late 2005, but its cast-iron support structures have been preserved.

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The plans for the area, published in 2005, involve the development of a new food market, restaurants and general retail market within the fruit and vegetable market, and an outdoor market square, along with commercial buildings and up to 600 apartments on the fish market site. A large car park would be built underground.

The new plans involved "slight changes" to be revealed later this month, the city council said, and a small wholesale corner would be retained.