Macclesfield Market Hall opens a new chapter after its refurbishment

Every town needs a place where people bump into each other, pick up something for tea and catch up on the news. In Macclesfield that place has long been the indoor market, and this year it was given a new lease of life. Cheshire East Council officially opened the newly refurbished Macclesfield Market Hall on 24 February 2026.

The project was some time in the making. The market sits inside the Grosvenor Shopping Centre, and the council asked residents how it could evolve. Their answer was clear: keep the independent feel, but add more fresh produce, more artisan makers and better facilities. A successful bid to the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund paid for the work, and construction started in December 2024.

The changes are substantial. The council says the hall has been extensively modernised, with new trading units, improved lighting, updated flooring and a redesigned layout, along with a new food hall and seating and modern stalls with improved security. Following consultation, the market was also rebranded as Macclesfield Market Hall, with new signage throughout.

Art plays its part too. Two artists, Peachzz and Tom Edwards, were commissioned to create artworks both inside and outside the building, so the hall now makes more of an impression from the street as well as once you step through the door.

Macclesfield Town Council helped fund new public toilets as part of the scheme, including a Changing Places toilet, which makes the hall easier to visit for people with complex care needs.

The work was planned so that traders could carry on operating throughout. Many longstanding traders chose to stay in the refurbished market, and the extra stalls created by the new layout opened up space for new businesses. The hall now houses independent traders selling food and drink, crafts, gaming, books, beauty and more.

The opening event fell in half term week and included live music, a treasure hunt for children and a drawing session from Marc Makes Comics. Councillor Nick Mannion, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: "Our ambition was to build a market hall that brings together the best of our local businesses, shines a spotlight on fresh regional produce, and gives traders a vibrant hub."

If you have not visited since the work was finished, it is well worth a look. Call in, meet the traders old and new, and see how one of the town's best-known institutions has been given a fresh start. Independent businesses interested in a stall can contact the council's markets team.