BOLTON businesses are being urged to come forward and benefit from the £4.5 million renovation of the market.

Contractor Willmott Dixon is working with Bolton Council to find local sub-contractors and suppliers for the development.

An event will be held at Bolton Town Hall’s Lancaster Suite on Monday, February 25, from 9am to 5pm, for businesses keen to get involved.

Willmott Dixon is especially interested in speaking to local businesses involved in groundworks, metal works, flooring, glazing, painting and decorating, fencing, mechanical and electrical services, joinery, and roofing.

Thirty-four traders from the non-food section of the indoor market have moved to temporary units on the outdoor market and will reopen there on Tuesday.

Work on the refurbishment will be completed late this year, with the car park and servicing area being completed next year.

Council leader, Cllr Cliff Morris, said: “We are really pleased the redevelopment will provide work for local businesses, as well as jobs for local people.

“Both the council and Willmott Dixon want as many local firms as possible to get involved, and we would urge businesses to attend and find out about the different opportunities on offer.”

Improvements include refurbishing the roof on the fish market, replacing the roof on the non-food eastern hall, more indoor food stalls and a seating area in the eastern hall, and repairing the roof over the western hall, which contains the fresh fruit and vegetable traders. The outdoor market will be moved to New Street, closer to the planned new transport interchange.

While the work is under way, the market’s fruit and veg section and the fish market will be open as usual.

Guy Lacey, operations manager from Willmott Dixon, said “We support the local pound at every opportunity and these types of events are just one way we can ensure local businesses benefit.”

To reserve a place email nicola.tyson@willmott dixon.co.uk or call 0161 9473960.