A Victoria Centre Market trader will be opening a new store in Nottingham city centre ahead of its closure.
Nottingham City Council has given remaining traders a date of March 31 to vacate their businesses in the market, following a decision to close it back in 2022.
John Easom, who runs Gold Bank jewellers at the market, had been calling on the authority to keep the market open and invest in its future.
He said the council had not run the market well, but the council argued it could not afford to keep it open for the remaining 50 years of its lease.
Mr Easom decided to move his business after traders began to be served notices to leave towards the end of last year.
“After years of uncertainty at the Victoria Centre Market, we’re absolutely thrilled to be moving” he said.
“This huge, beautiful space is a dream come true for us, and we can’t wait to open our doors and welcome everyone to this exciting new chapter.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Victoria Centre Market and to all of our wonderful customers.”
Mr Easom said the store will open at the junction of Exchange Walk and St Peter’s Gate on Monday (March 17).
The building had previously been inhabited by Blacks, an outdoor clothing and equipment store, until 2023.
A spokesperson for Nottingham City Council previously said: “We met with traders on September 19, 2024 and confirmed our plans to close the market and have served notice on traders with significant rent arrears.
“Unfortunately, several stallholders have breached their legal agreements by failing to pay rent, collectively owing the council over £400,000.
“Any trader with significant unpaid rent has been or will be formally notified to vacate the market.
“With the council facing substantial financial challenges, it’s crucial that we address these outstanding rent issues.
“Additionally, we will be terminating legal agreements with traders who have applicable break clauses to cease their occupancy at the market.”
• Victoria Centre Market: Traders get final closure date to leave
