Walled City Market in Derry city centre to reopen tomorrow after long absence

The move comes as local traders get back to rebuilding business in the city centre.

The market will return in a slightly reduced capacity tomrrow, Saturday September 5 to allow shoppers plenty of space for social distancing, and customers are being asked to be conscientious and follow any guidance while shopping.

Local traders have been focusing on the safe return of customers in recent weeks, as they adapt to new business guidelines and work to restore customer confidence and boost footfall in the city centre.

Council recently launched its ‘Small Spend, Giant Difference’ campaign to support local businesses by encouraging people to shop local where possible and help sustain smaller local traders as they enter the recovery period following the Covid-19 lockdown.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Brian Tierney, said he was looking forward to visiting the market and to a return to outdoor trading.

“I am delighted to see the Walled City Market return this weekend, it provides an excellent platform for local traders and a safe outdoor space for shoppers,” he declared.

“Much planning has gone into ensuring the market can operate in a way that’s of benefit to both customers and traders. Council has been working closely with local traders to ensure we can facilitate their needs and create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

“These are very challenging times and we realise that we have to be creative in our approaches to support local businesses as they get back on their feet. Through the Small Spend Giant Difference campaign we want to get the message out there that we have a wonderful range of suppliers and a fantastic array of products right here on our own doorstep.

“We should all be doing our bit to support them when we can, by shopping local and boosting the local economy to the benefit of everyone.”

The market will initially run for just one day this month, from 11am to 5pm on Saturday September 5 with plans to increase capacity when it returns in October subject to demand.