Hooray! Stratford’s popular indoor market has been saved from closure

For many in east London (and far beyond, for that matter), Stratford’s Market Village is a treasured community space. Inside the Stratford Centre, it’s everything a proper indoor market should be, rammed with stalls stocking everything and anything from fruit and veg to clothes and electronics.

In shocking news, however, back in January Market Village closed down. The company directors of the market went into administration, forcing all traders to shut up shop with ‘immediate effect’. According to the market’s website, more than 60 traders operated in Market Village, and all were ordered to vacate their units on January 10. 

Understandably, plenty were bereft at the news – and a petition was even set up to pressure the local council to reopen Market Village. And now we have good news: Market Village has officially been saved!

Following a cabinet vote on April 2, it’s been decided that Newham Council will take on a 15-year lease of Market Village. A total of £700,000 will be spent on supporting the operation of the market in a one-year trial, after which the council can either terminate the contract or lease it for another 14 years. 

On Change.org, the petition to save Market Village said:

‘The abrupt closure of Market Village not only affects the livelihoods of these traders but also disrupts a piece of our local history and culture that we hold dear. The impact is far-reaching with numerous viable businesses now left in limbo.

‘We are calling on you – our fellow citizens – to help us petition the mayor and council for their intervention. We want them to take control and allow for the continuation of trading at Market Village so that it can remain an integral part of Stratford’s vibrant community fabric.’

So, great news! While Market Village hasn’t yet officially reopened, it looks like we’ll all get to enjoy its spectacular variety of goods for the foreseeable. You can find out more about visiting on the official website here. 

Did you see that this neighbourhood is officially the loneliest in London?

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