Wigan's new indoor market hall at Fettlers will open in spring 2027 with capacity for only 21 stalls, far fewer than the 35 stallholders currently operating at the existing market.

Traders have been told they must apply for a stall in the new building, with no guarantee of space. Those who cannot be accommodated will be offered alternative locations elsewhere in the town centre.

Traders Express Concerns

Jonathan Lamb, who has run JL Jewellers watch repair business for 33 years, said the situation felt like "a knife in the back".

"The council has said there will be 21 stalls in the new building and we've been told we have to apply for one," he told BBC Radio Manchester.

"I'm very optimistic about the new market hall and we've been promised the world by Wigan Council but we're not guaranteed anything."

Anthony Ainscough has operated the Vacuum Repairs stall for 40 years. He said: "We're not guaranteed a stall ... you've got to apply for it, and I don't know what I'll be offered, so I can't really decide whether to move elsewhere in Wigan town centre."

Ainscough, 62, explained that running a market stall differs from operating a shop. "Having a shop is a different ball game because you've got to get customers through the front door, whereas in a good market you have passing trade," he said.

Kathleen Leigh, 62, whose family has operated the Clunan's food stall for more than a century, said: "We are a market and we need each other, so only having 21 stalls in the new building is a bit of a concern."

Leigh added: "I think they're wanting a cafe, like a Starbucks or a Costa, on the entrance to the new market hall and I'm not sure that's fair, if they haven't got room for the traders."

Council Response and Background

Aidan Thatcher, director for place at Wigan Council, said: "The feedback we have received is now being actively considered."

He added: "We have been engaging with traders on unit numbers, space requirements, and the balance between trading and complementary uses."

In April 2026, it was announced that Wigan Council would take over the running of the market hall from the Northern Lights Group.

The existing indoor market hall has become isolated on the edge of the town centre due to construction work on the Fettlers site. Wigan Council has provided rent reductions to traders to help them cope with reduced footfall during this period.

The Fettlers Development

The new market hall will form part of the wider Fettlers redevelopment, which will include more than 400 homes, leisure facilities, bars, restaurants, a public square and a hotel.

Wigan Council met with trader representatives earlier this month to discuss the transition arrangements.