A COMPANY which has helped oversee the £3.4m revamp and revival of Crewe's historic Market Hall is among the finalists of a prestigious business awards ceremony.

The Victorian market hall, which reopened in May, has been transformed after previous years of decline which saw empty units and poor footfall.

It is now home to an array of new independent traders and outlets offering food, drink and retail alongside mezzanine space for local businesses to use for remote/hybrid working and impromptu meetings.

All of this has seen the market hall named a finalist in the Ambassador of the Year category at the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry's annual business awards which recognise those "going the extra mile to put Cheshire East on the map".

The historic Grade II-listed building reopened after a multi-million revamp after operators Market Asset Management (MAM) were appointed as part of Cheshire East Council's town centre regeneration programme.

Working in partnership with the council, the market is becoming the focal point of community life with new facilities including a stage which is used as part of the hall's calendar of events.

"We are all delighted to be named a finalist which is something everyone connected with market from traders to the ever-growing number of customers can be rightly proud of," said Crewe Marker Hall General Manager Gary Johnson.

"With a multicultural focus, it is not only fast becoming the go-to place for wining, dining, and light entertainment but also, it's a central hub for parent and toddler groups, friendship, and cultural community groups as well as a business hub for remote and flexible working."

It is now also a hub for community events and celebrations often stretching into the evening.

Recently, the hall hosted a celebration of the Indian Festival of Light, Diwali which included a fashion show and a gymnastic performance.

The event was run in collaboration with one of the hall's traders the Asian Food Store and officially opened by the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by Crewe Town Mayor Cllr Tom Dunlop.

Gary added: "In a multicultural society, Crewe Market Hall is a community hub for all, and we look forward to hosting many more cross-culture events.

"We are attracting not only people from across the region but many people from across the country.

"Despite the pandemic restrictions the market has flourished, driven by local independent traders offering amazing produce, services and a unique dining experience in a venue that has something for everyone.

"For centuries, market squares, market places and market halls have been the centre and beating heart of the community across towns and villages all over the UK and, after its extensive refurbishment that is exactly what Crewe Market Hall is becoming once again."

South Cheshire Chamber's business awards take place at Reaseheath College on Friday night (November 19).