TRADERS have been invited to open in a town centre market after the closure of an historic business.
Darlington Market is appealing to local traders to move into the stall formerly occupied by Fenwick’s Family Butcher’s, which announced its closure in April after 34 years in the town.
Nick and Clare Fenwick said they made the decision 'with great sadness' but admitted declining town centre footfall, rising costs and leasing issues were key factors behind their decision closure.
Fenwick’s butcher's started trading in Darlington from the Indoor Market and a shop on North Road, in 1988. They weathered the Covid pandemic by branching out into home deliveries but a change in shopping habits is seen to have been the death knell for the business.
Read more: All the traders that have closed and left Darlington Market
In a statement posted on the now empty market stall, the owners said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the closure of our beloved family business with immediate effect.
"After 34-years trading in the Indoor Market, we are now facing just too many obstacles to carry on.
"Issues regarding our lease with the market management, declining footfall of the high street and the indoor market, increasing running costs, and our personal need to rebalance our work/family life have led us to this sad decision.”
It comes as IL Cappuccino cafe and Mulholland and Son family butchers closed last Autumn, adding to a growing list of traders who have left the site. New food stalls and events have appeared over the last few months; however, customers have bemoaned the departure of the market’s heritage.
Read more: Darlington Market traders fear for the future
Shop fronts and units are currently being redeveloped, with facelifts to both the Clock Tower and Central entrances part of the second phase of the market’s renovation.
Market Asset Management, the site owner, hopes the investment will increase footfall to the to the town, providing a boost for the remaining stall holders, and is calling on businesses interested in obtaining the former Fenwick’s site to get in touch.
“We have a number of options for prospective traders, including butchers and anyone interested in taking on space at the market should get in touch at darlington@marketlettings.co.uk,” a spokesman said.
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