SATURDAY will be a historic day for Colchester Market as traders are set to spend their first day at a new venue.

Following talks with Colchester Council, Lion Walk bosses will host the Saturday market at the shopping centre for the first time.

The future of the market, which has been held in the High Street for the past three years, has been in the balance as this year saw the number of stall holders taking up pitches fall to a record low.

Wanting to see the market thrive again Lion Walk centre manager Martin Leatherdale stepped in.

As well as the new location the market will undergo a facelift with new gazebos, new traders and upgraded seating.

A dozen stalls will take up the first opportunity to trial the new location, which will cover the area around Culver Street East and will operate from 9am to 5pm.

Friday’s market will continue to operate in the High Street as usual.

Stall holders will be allowed to use their own stalls providing they meet appropriate safety requirements.

The High Street pitch fee will be reduced to £25 per pitch and there may also be an additional market day on Wednesdays in the future.

Martin Goss, councillor in charge of the market, said: “High street traders continue to face unprecedented pressures from online shopping, changing customer tastes and tighter household budgets, and Colchester Market is no exception.

“Following extensive consultation with market traders who support the new arrangements – particularly the proposals for extra weekday trading and alternative locations on Saturdays – we hope to redress some of the low-occupancy levels seen in recent months.

“Markets need to evolve to thrive and we want the market to be an asset to Colchester and we’re delighted to be able to work with and trial the Saturday Market in Lion Walk Shopping Centre.”

Martin Leatherdale, Lion Walk centre manager, said he was thrilled to host this trial.

He said: “Over the past few years there has been a renewed enthusiasm for markets, largely owing to their great value and choice, not to mention the social aspect they bring.

“We’re looking forward to supporting Colchester Market and I will harness our full scale support and expertise to see it grow and thrive.

“It’s very humbling to be part of this heritage and support local independent traders and families.”

To join the market email hello@lionwalk.co.uk or market@colchester.gov.uk.