THE artisan food market to open in the former J&S Motorcycle store ‘will be open this year’, according to developers.

The market, near Waitrose on London Road, will replicate the Altrincham-style food hall which has proved popular with residents, and is one of four new locations Artisan Food Hall Ltd is setting up across the UK.

Other towns and cities benefitting from the initiative include Hull, Worcester, and Edinburgh.

Eann Smith, Director of Artisan Food Hall Ltd, said: “We are looking for 10-15 local partners to operate in there.

“It has been delayed with Covid and we didn’t want to open between lockdowns. It will be open this year.

“All those traders that come from the local area of the North West. We will talk to all of those as it could be four or five of those who will get a permanent spot in the food hall.”

Mr Smith added that the opening would ideally be once social distancing measures are no longer required by government regulations.

He went on to say that he had no intention of ‘competing’ with the existing outdoor artisan market at Barons Quay.

A spokesperson added: “The same team behind the 60,000 sqft Artisan Food Hall & Organic Farmers Market @ Hammonds of Hull are excited to have started their transformation of their site at 20 London Road.

“A 12-month development and construction program will shortly commence creating an artisanal food hall & community-led farmers market which will also include a fusing of music, arts, and creatives spaces into this dynamic offering.

“Further information will follow shortly but we will be looking to connect with all the local operators, producers, farmers, growers, makers, and creators to partner with us on this exciting journey.”

Northwich’s Barons Quay artisan market is set to re-open in a Covid-secure manner on May 17.