MARKET chiefs expect Crewe's new Market Hall to be running a full programme of events, including live music, by the end of the summer.

Final preparations are being made to fit out the stalls at the historic Earle Street building ahead of next Wednesday's reopening (May 19) following a £3 million revamp.

All but two of the hall's 22 permanent stalls have been leased out to traders as part of a change in emphasis on old-style markets with the venue being transformed into a food hall to accompany the staging of live entertainment and community events.

Chris McCaughran, events and animation manager with the hall's operators, Market Asset Management, says the concept is based on a traditional market but with a focus on making it more of a meeting place for the community.

Many of the new vendors are running food businesses and there will be a bar, The Crewe Dog, to attract evening trade when events, including musicians and bands are playing. A seating area with bespoke wooden tables and chairs has been assembled next to a stage which will be in use as part of the calendar of events.

These will start later in the summer after an initial "soft" opening while restrictions remain in force on social distancing.

Chris says inspiration for the Market Hall design and set-up has been taken from Doncaster's Wool Market, also run by Crewe's operators, and mirrors a trend in other towns nearby such as Altrincham and Wrexham.

"We've taken the traditional market concept and expanded on it. We are looking to have fishmongers and butchers and so on, but the theme is for people to come together as well as shop," said the events manager.

"You will be able to get some great food here, there's retail to browse through and there will be a gig or event or something on as well.

"There are others like this at Altrincham and we (Market Asset Management) have a similar market in Doncaster – the Crewe model is based on that.

"There's a few around the area. I think it's a great use of these market buildings and it provides a great setting."

Strict Covid guidelines will be in place when the hall's doors open for the first time in more than two years and the official launch day has been held back until Saturday, June 26 after the June 21 lockdown roadmap landmark.

Some events are due before then, though, including a Young Traders Market on Saturday, June 5 and a record fair has been scheduled in early June.

"It will be a gradual programme and the approach we're taking is slowly, but surely so we'll build up to bigger events," added Chris.

"People will still be nervous wherever there are numbers gathering. But by August and September we plan to have a full house as far the entertainments programme goes.

"We'll really start the events after June 21 and the next relaxation of the roadmap."

Music will be a key ingredient to get people to extend their stay in the hall.

The Crewe Dog proprietor, Chris Mundie, has been able to lend his expertise to booking bands and staging shows. His Northwich-based pub The Salty Dog hosts live music and events, with an emphasis on rock.

"Chris has been a great help putting local bands in touch. We're bringing the odd headline act in, but we want to promote local bands in Crewe and Sandbach and the surrounding area," outlined Chris.

"We've had a great response from local bands and there's a creative talent pool out there, but they've had to go further afield to show what they can do - now they can come to the Market Hall here in Crewe."

Thirteen traders have so far signed up for stall space, with a variety of food outlets guaranteeing a mouth-watering visit. There will be a gentleman's barbers too, a nail bar and a coffee bar.

As well as a weekly programme of live music and family-friendly entertainment, exhibitions and live demonstrations, pop-up markets and custom retail fairs are to be arranged to woo customers in.

Space will be made for community-focused events and activities and groups will not be charged for their use of the hall, says the events manager.

"We've got two stalls under offer which if confirmed means everything is going to be filled," he said. "It's coming together really well, the fit-outs are looking amazing and we're booking out events.

"We're still running the outdoor market too and we're looking for tenants for that.

"We want to help regenerate Crewe. There's a lot of good things going on here such as the planned redevelopment of Lyceum Square. There's a real positivity coming together for Crewe."

Cheshire East Council's economy and growth committee chair, Cllr Nick Mannion, says the reopening of Crewe Market Hall has been "hugely anticipated".

"The building's refurbishment is an integral part of our plans to revitalise Crewe, working alongside our partners, and it has been rewarding to see such an important town centre asset being transformed into the vibrant space it is now," he said.

"It has also been fantastic to see such passion from the traders who have joined Market Hall and to hear their excitement at being part of this scheme."

The list of traders is: The Crewe Dog (bar), Nature's Street Chef, Crewe Asian Store, Jordy's Pizza, Mighty Burger Club, Casa Mexico, Mini Beans Coffee, Buttery Biscuit Base, Swirly Pearls (food outlets), Burton West Barbers, BYOCrewe, Wattle & Home and Jadelicious (nail and beauty treatments).

The hall will initially be open five days a week, Wednesdays to Sundays (with an emphasis on evenings later in the week).

Times are: Wed 9.30am-6pm; Thurs 9.30am-9pm; Fri 9.30am-11pm; Sat 9.30am-11pm; Sun 10.30am-7pm.