CREWE'S Market Hall is to reopen on May 17 after a £3 million revamp.

Cheshire East Council has revealed the historic hall will host an official launch on June 21, by which time customers will have had time to engage with a raft of new traders who have signed up for the stalls.

Six more businesses have agreed to set up their trading points, joining four previously announced.

The opening schedule announced by Cheshire East Council and Market Asset Management, the new commercial operator of Crewe's markets, is possible after the publication of the government's four-step roadmap to ease Covid-19 restrictions. June 21 is the date when legal restrictions on social contact may end.

Cllr Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: "We have already received such positive feedback on the Market Hall's refurbishment and there seems to be quite a buzz surrounding its reopening.

"We cannot wait for residents and visitors to the town to be able to take a look inside and to show them all that is now on offer. There will certainly be something for everyone to enjoy."

Last month the market's management revealed that The Crewe Dog bar, Wattle & Home, Jordy's Pizza and Mini Beans Coffee were all setting up in the Market Hall.

They will be joined by Crewe Asian Store which sells fresh fruits, vegetables, rice, pulses and spices; the Mighty Burger Club, specialising in patty burgers and hot dogs; streetfood outlet Casa Mexica; vegan shop Nature's Street Chef; BYOCrewe, a zero waste, plastic-free alternatives hub; and Burton West Barbers, a gentleman's barber shop.

Mighty Burger Club owners Jess Martindale and Dale Evans said: "We are so very excited to be part of this great project. The new Market Hall is something we should all be proud to be part of and have here in our home-town."

Market Asset Management Commercial Director Hayden Ferriby, said: "We have a fantastic mix of traders lined up, who are all eager and waiting to welcome customers.

"It is hugely exciting news that we can now set a date for the planned reopening and look forward to the building becoming a vibrant hub at the heart of the town centre.

"Our priority remains keeping our visitors, traders and staff safe and so we will of course continue to follow government guidance on the safe reopening of town centres and review our plans if necessary."

The Market Hall will also feature pop-up stalls and have a regular programme of activities and demonstrations, with flexibility for the building to be opened up during the evening for events, entertainment and other themed activities.

It will initially be open five days a week: Wednesdays – 10am-6pm; Thursdays – 10am-9pm; Fridays – 10am-11pm; Saturdays – 10am-11pm; and Sundays – 10am-7pm.

The Market Hall project is supported by the Government's Local Growth Fund through Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership.