Shoppers have had their first taste of Leicester's new-look market and open-air food court.
City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby yesterday official opened the £600,000 refurbishment to the market.
The new area, called Market Corner, contains 20 temporary, gazebo-style stalls which will sell specially-chosen locally-produced food every Friday and Saturday.
Yesterday, shoppers were able to sample freshly-cooked curries, traditional pork pies and cartons of Chinese food.
Among the first visitors was Libby Mason, 50, of Groby Road, Leicester, who said: "It is lovely. It is nice to see outdoor food shops in the city.
"I hope it stays like this, not deteriorating into a load of burger bars."
Pensioner Veneranda Fiol, of West Knighton, Leicester, said: "It is wonderful. I was the first person to sit here with a cup of coffee. Pensioners will love it."
Husband and wife Dave and Jane Parsons, of Wigston, also paid a visit to Market Corner yesterday.
Jane, 63, said: "The old place was very tatty and the changes have made a great difference."
Dave, 64, said: "The weather will definitely play its part in whether it is a success."
Traders at the opening were enthusiastic and optimistic about the new-look venue.
Tim Pick, of Pick's Organic Farm Shop, Barkby Thorpe, said: "This is very good and hopefully will flourish."
Andrew Wincott, of Woodhouse Farm Rare Breed and Traditional Meat, Elmesthorpe, said: "We are really excited. This is a fresh idea that fits in beautifully with the rest of the market – it's great."
The new area replaces 37 fixed stalls.
At the opening, Sir Peter said: "Leicester market has always reflected the vibrancy of our city and this new open-air piazza and food court is a fantastic development of the market's character.
"I am particularly keen to see local producers taking the opportunity to sell to local people – there is far more to Leicestershire food than cheese and pork pies.
"People are more prepared to experience tastes they would not necessarily try, such as venison, and are becoming increasingly health conscious."
Sir Peter said he hoped Market Corner would be the start of a series of changes to the area, which could include improvements to the meat and fish market and the former Odeon cinema. 作者: VICKI 时间: 2011-5-15 13:17
