Bilston Market is a real gem in the heart of the Black County.
Along with its neighbours at Wednesfield and the city centre, Wolverhampton’s historic markets have been serving customers since the 13th Century – from 1258 to be exact when Henry III decreed a Charter for a weekly market.
This bustling market plays an important part in giving the town its strong identity and character. Throughout the West Midlands, the town is synonymous with its market, which attracts around 9000 visitors a day. It’s a jewel of which Bilstonian’s are rightly proud.
Right to the present day Bilston market stays true to its tradition of offering tremendous range of high quality, reasonably priced goods in a colourful and lively setting. The market has always played an important part in establishing the area as a major shopping centre. The Indoor Market has 88 stalls with a floor space of 14,500 sq. ft., while the outdoor market has 117 stalls all creating a thriving, bustling atmosphere for visitors. It certainly punches above its weight – despite the tough economic conditions Bilston Indoor Market maintains excellent occupancy rates for its stalls.
The Indoor Market is well integrated with the surrounding retail offer and the community. Improvements to the local and regional transport infrastructure over the past twenty years have had a universally positive impact. The nearby Black Country Route linking it to the M6 motorway makes it incredibly easy for visitors from more distant points in the Midlands to visit, while a bus and metro interchange minutes from the market has opened it up to the wider West Midlands area. Add to that with free parking and it’s no surprise that the Indoor Market is as popular as ever. The redevelopment of Bilston has integrated the Indoor Market more closely with the rest of the town’s retail offer.
A glazed canopy that provides an attractive entrance to the Market from the main shopping street. Along with a modern Market Office the Indoor Market has a fresh, modern feel. It doesn’t stop there, the Bilston Urban Village development is a key part of the wider regeneration of the area, bringing new homes, new jobs and more investment.
It demonstrates the council’s commitment to Bilston and ensure it will continue to be a thriving area. The Indoor Market has moved with the times with traders investing heavily in new, state-of-the-art fixtures and fittings, it has remained loyal to its customer base. The Indoor Market continues to serve its community by delivering good, honest value-for-money trade lines. The selection of butchers and fishmongers will rival any supermarket, along with competitively priced fruit and vegetable stalls.
At the same time visitors are treated to an unrivalled choice of traditional and exotic goods. Savvy shoppers know where to pick up a bargain when they’re in Bilston! The in-store bakery is known to create a buzz in the market and with its range of household products, furniture and electrical goods, the Market is well known for the variety of its retail offer. Customers regularly use the Market’s popular café as a place to catch up with family and friends, which adds even more to the feel of a bustling traditional market. It’s little wonder that it’s not just members of the local community who return to the market time and time again! The Area Markets Managers and traders pride themselves on their good working relationship working together to create the safe, thriving and inviting atmosphere that Bilston Market has.
As the market gears up for Christmas, there’s an ever increasing buzz in the air. To make this the best Christmas ever the council are offering 50% discounted rates for licenced and casual traders on 13th, 14th, 18th, 20th & 21st December 2016. There has never been a better time to become a trader at Bilston Market, the location, the atmosphere, the people. It’s what markets are all about! For more information visit:
www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/markets or call 01902 556080