THE much-anticipated £4.5 million relaunch of Bolton Market “cannot fail” according to council chiefs.

The new non-food indoor hall will open on January 21, ahead of a formal opening on Valentine’s Day weekend which the council will promote as a “Fall in Love with Bolton” campaign.

New stallholders will include a real ale and cider pub, a coffee grinder and an exotic plant business.

Malcolm Veigas, assistant director for environmental services, said: “With the research and consultation we have done, I don’t think we can fail with this one.

“There is a real sense of excitement among traders and we think the new businesses will boost our appeal. They have been really patient outside for the last year and hopefully they will get their rewards now.” The redevelopment has involved replacing the roof on the eastern hall, which houses the non-food section.

Additional indoor stalls have been installed as well as a seating area, while the roofs of the fish market and the hall containing the fruit and veg stalls have been refurbished. Extra parking spaces have been freed up.

More visits from coach trips is another council aim, with new parking areas tearmarked, as well as additional taxi bays. Cllr John Byrne, cabinet member for neighbourhood and community services, said: “This all looks fantastic and everyone involved has worked very hard to make all this happen.” Willmott Dixon carried out the redevelopment.

The outdoor market will move to New Street to be closer to the transport interchange.