TRADERS are welcoming in a new era for their stalls following the signing of a 100-year lease that will see private specialists assuming control of a North-East town’s historic markets.

Darlington Borough Council has confirmed a deal with Market Asset Management (MAM) that will see the town’s Victorian indoor and outdoor markets operated and refurbished by the retail developers.

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Following the agreement, MAM has revealed its ambitions to extend opening hours of the markets into evenings and weekends and to install a glass frontage along the West Row side of the indoor market.

Public toilets will also be provided within the building with improved lighting and heating, a food court and events space for community use.

Darlington Borough Council will continue to own the market buildings, however MAM will be responsible for staffing and maintenance of the markets.

Robin Blair, a stall holder at Darlington’s Victorian covered market, said: “It’s good news for us – not just for us, but for Darlington as well.

“Unfortunately, the market has stood still for quite a good number of years and we need to move forward.

“Now we have things like online shopping, but there’s still a need for us and we have to move with the times.

“There’ll be changes for us, but I hope these changes will be for the better – it’s a lifeline for the markets.”

MAM has stated the company will work closely with existing stallholders to plan the redesign of the Grade II-listed market hall that will be implemented in a phased process.

Jonathan Owen, a director of MAM, said: “We look forward to working with the stallholders and traders to ensure the markets sell Darlington town centre as a vibrant, exciting place to visit.

“The partnership is structured to create a key attraction which differentiates the town from competing attractions and promotes it as a retail and leisure destination with a difference.

“The improvements will provide better facilities, promotion and support to help them grow.

“We are acutely aware of the challenges which small businesses face and will be offering practical experience from elsewhere to support them.”

Under a multi-million pound cuts programme revealed by Darlington Borough Council in 2016, the authority appealed for a private investor to secure the long-term future of both markets.

MAM were expected to take over management of the markets this summer after the council confirmed its intentions to strike a deal with the Essex-based firm in February.

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for leisure and local environment, said: “Darlington is a market town and we believe this change will help promote Darlington town centre.

“The plans by MAM show a building that will be brought to life.

“The wider use of the market hall will attract more visitors and provide more customers for the stallholders in the market who will remain the backbone of the covered market.”