Leicester Market redevelopment

The city council is proposing a scheme that would return Leicester’s historic market to its old site and also create a new event space in the heart of the city centre.

The latest proposal shows a new home for Leicester Market in a light and airy structure, adjacent to the existing food hall.

Automated shutters would secure the market when it was not in use, while its 48 stalls could be fully dismantled and cleared away to provide room for a bar area, for example, if the event space was being used for an outdoor concert.

The whole site would be paved in high-quality porphyry, with colourful planters helping to create an attractive, versatile event space that could host festivals, live music or speciality markets.

With food and drink driving footfall to markets across the country, and to complement the range of produce on sale in the neighbouring food hall, it’s proposed that the new market would also be food-focused, with stalls prioritised for those selling fruit, vegetables and high-quality food from around the world.

Inside the market

Market Place approach

Market Hall view to Corn Exchange

Market Place north view

Cheapside - aerial view

Subject to a final decision following this consultation and planning approval for the proposed option, the new event space could be paved and completed by early 2026, with the new market building opening by spring/summer 2027. Traders could continue to operate from Green Dragon Square until then.