Retford’s Market has been given a makeover with the arrival of new and refurbished stalls that bring a bright and welcoming feel to one of the town’s main attractions.
New white and green coverings are now adorning traders’ stalls, helping to give them a new lease of life and improving the market’s appearance.
It’s part of a series of improvements using funding from the UK Government that has improved the market’s infrastructure including the refurbishment of stalls, and canopy extensions to make it a better trading environment for traders and customers.
Stall holder Tim Fieldhouse, from Tim and Gill Fabrics, said: “The new market stalls are a great improvement for traders and customers. The added shelter is a massive benefit, especially during extreme weather, making the market a much more comfortable place to shop and providing protection for traders and their stock.
“They also look much cleaner and brighter, and we hope these improvements will encourage more customers to visit more regularly, which will encourage traders to join the market, helping Retford Market continue and thrive.”
The new stalls will be phased into the existing market over the coming weeks and have been funded through the UK Government’s Town Centre Streetscaping Fund and allocated by the Retford Town Centre Partnership Board.
Rick Brand, Chair of the Retford Town Centre Partnership Board said: "The Retford Town Centre Partnership Board was delighted to allocate the funding to support the improvements to the market stalls.
“The Retford markets are a major attraction for visitors and residents alike and add real value to the town centre along with the recent improvements to the public spaces and security."
Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity, Planning and Place said: “We welcome the arrival of these new canopies, which have been introduced following consultation with local traders.
“They have made a positive difference in the market’s overall appearance, helping to breathe new life into them and benefitting traders and shoppers alike.”
As part of the upgrade, a consultation took place with market traders and other stakeholders on a proposed new layout to look at ways of making improvements such as increasing the visibility of traders, trading conditions and customer flow, accessibility, and ensuring safer vehicle access.
That process is currently in progress with further engagement with traders due to take place.
Alongside this work, the Town Centre Partnership Board has also invested government funding into several other projects over the past year to enhance the area’s appearance with new benches, bins, planters, planting, signage and repairing street furniture where needed.
Last Updated on Thursday, April 30, 2026