Great Yarmouth's new market building is officially open

Cooking demonstrations, live music and a trail for free pick 'n' mix were part of the festivities, with market chips continuing to be a big draw.

Yvonne Carter, who was out on a walk with her husband, said: "We're here for the chips.

"We're coming to the town centre more now as the banks are all here. The market is nice, and there seems to be a lot of choice now. It's good to see."

The team from Dearno's Market Chips: (l-r) Ellie Lighton, James Rose and Fay Pullinger. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)James Rose, from Dearno's Market Chips, said he was glad the new market "sticks with the tradition" of the fried food the town is most known for.

"People come all over for the chips," he said.

People enjoying market chips in Great Yarmouth. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)"And in the new building, a lot more people are sticking around as there's shelter. It's a big improvement that's good for customers and will be good for us traders.

"It's bringing the community back to the town centre."

READ MORE: Great Yarmouth council clarifies market revamp investigation

People inside the new covered market in Great Yarmouth. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)The multi-million pound revamp was divisive among some of the stallholders of the old marketplace. Most notably, businesses including Brewers Market Chips, H Blake Family Butchers and Barrie's Tea Stall opted not to move to the new build.

During the construction, reactions about the revamp had been mixed.
 
But Port chaplain Rev Peter Paine, who was tucking into a portion of chips with his family, said people "will love it when they get used to it".

Rev Peter Paine (right) with his family at the market opening. Picture - James Weeds. (Image: James Weeds)"The new market has brought Great Yarmouth into the 21st Century," he said.

"I used to just pop to the market when I had to, but seeing it today could bring me back to it more often."

Michael Horton, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's new head of property and asset management. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Michael Horton, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's new head of property and asset management, said the grand opening was a "good step" towards rejuvenating the town.

"Over the year, people will see improved landscaping, footpaths and seating," Mr Horton said.

"And the new learning centre and library inside the old Palmers building is scheduled to be online by the end of the year. That will bring even more people back to the town centre."

Yasmin Harwood handing over free pick 'n' mix as part of the festivities of the market's grand opening. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Trader Yvonne Harwood from Unique Sweets said more events, like the grand opening, were needed to entice people to the marketplace.

"People will always bother if there's something on," she said.

"The kids are enjoying it 100pc, regardless of the rain. The weather is a real shame, but people are here and it's great to see everyone making an effort."

Kane Adams and his daughter, Athena, were drawn to the cooking demos. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Chef Kane Adams visited the opening with his daughter Athena. He said he was just passing through, but the cooking demo caught his child's eye, so they stayed for the rest of the event.

"It's good to see things happening," he said.

Mayor Penny Carpenter (centre) cut the ribbon on the new market building alongside Barry Stone (l-r), Henry Cator, Lady Dannatt, Carl Smith, Trevor Wainwright, Sheila Oxtoby and a cadet. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)"And I really do hope things pick up - especially for people in my daughter's generation. We don't come here often, but we would if there were more things like this."

Shortly before lunchtime, borough mayor Penny Carpenter cut the ribbon, officially marking the market open.

Leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Carl Smith. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)Council leader Carl Smith said the new build was "part and parcel" of the regeneration of the town centre.

"It's great to finally have it all open," he added. 

"Traders seem pleased with the new market, and trade is up.

"And there's still £5m worth of public realm works to come, as well as the new library later this year. There's been a big investment in the town centre, and it's brilliant to see."

People watching the cooking demos at the opening of the new market. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)The public realm work will see parts of the town centre with new stone paving, seating and green spaces.

Paving works will also be carried out by the Fisherman's Hospital close to Great Yarmouth Minster.

Mayor Penny Carpenter (centre) during a taste test of the cooking demonstration. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)