The New Chester Market has seen more than 300,000 visitors in its first month, with the venue hitting capacity at weekends.

More traders have now been lined up to complement the existing offerings at the market.

Since opening on November 8, the market has seen a huge influx of visitors, with many keen to see what lies within the purpose-built building, the centrepiece of the Northgate Development.

The visitor numbers compare favourably to footfall at the old Chester Market venue, albeit the old site having shorter opening hours. Back in early 2018, visitor numbers were averaging about 60,000 a month, prior to the resurgence caused by an influx of food and drink stalls.

At its peak, helped by the Foodie Fridays incentive, the old Chester Market had a four-week high of 144,787 visitors in November-December 2019. Since then, the Covid pandemic and gradual exodus of market traders led to a sharp fall in visitor numbers before ultimately closing in October this year.

One of the old Chester Market traders will be setting up its stall at the new market. Planet Anime will be opening their new Pokémon and comic collectables stall in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, a new wool and yarn retailer, RKM Wools, is expected to be open before the end of the year.

Further produce traders are being sought to complement the butcher and fishmonger, both of whom have been very busy since the new market opened.

Cheshire west and Chester Council says the current mix of traders is roughly 60 percent goods or produce and 40 percent food and beverage stalls.

The market is open every day except Mondays, until 10pm, and 9pm on Sundays, with over 400 seats across four distinct areas, from large communal benches to a garden area, heritage corner and more intimate stalls seating in the mini market area.

The 300,000th visitor was Gemma Edwards from Ellesmere Port, who was returning to the market for the second time to show her mum around. Gemma received a £50 voucher to spend in the market and a goodie bag.

Retaining one of the much-loved aspects of the old market, local musicians perform at weekends in the evenings.

In the run-up to Christmas the popular artisan Makers Markets has been held in Exchange Square every weekend until December 18, and a giant Christmas bauble light feature has been installed.

Councillor Richard Beacham, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Growth, Economy and Regeneration, said: “We are delighted to see the new market thriving and proving such a big hit with visitors, it has been an incredible journey to transform the market and provide such a popular city centre attraction for our traders, residents and visitors alike.

“The market's popularity means we are having to manage numbers into the building, particularly at weekends, this is to ensure sufficient capacity and seating is available and our traders can cope with demand, please bear with us if your entry is briefly delayed.”

Old Chester Market favourites such as Death by Tacos and Stile Napoletano have since opened on Watergate Street, with That Beer Place on Foregate Street, The Cheese Wedge on Goss Street (off Watergate Street) and Ian's Five a Day opening in Western Avenue, Blacon.

The New Chester Market's opening hours over Christmas are:

  • Saturday 24th December – Christmas Eve: 8am-10pm
  • Sunday 25th December – Christmas Day: Closed
  • Monday 26th December – Boxing Day: Closed
  • Tuesday 27th December – Bank Holiday: Closed
  • Wednesday 28th December: 8am-10pm
  • Thursday 29th December: 8am-10pm
  • Friday 30th December: 8am-10pm
  • Saturday 31st December – New Year’s Eve: 8am-8pm
  • Sunday 1st January -New Year’s Day: Closed
  • Monday 2nd January – Bank Holiday: Closed