Interviews have been taking place to decide the business which will line up to fill a new food and drink-inspired market hall at a multi-million pound redevelopment.

Stroud's Five Valleys Shopping Centre owner Dransfield Properties is busy re-shaping the town centre retail centre and among its plans is a food hall, due to open in February 2020, based on London's famous Borough Market.

According to the Sheffield-headquartered firm interviews are now taking place to pick the first businesses for the Market Hall venture, which will showcase the region's best local producers and traders.

Mark Dransfield, managing director of Dransfield Properties, said: "Interest has been incredibly strong from those wanting to be a part of this unique venture and we are very excited and looking forward to the launch early in the New Year."

The new seven days a week market area will house 20 new, indoor, permanent market stalls which will be installed in the main mall area at Five Valleys and are being manufactured by West Midlands-based Borough Market specialists, Troax Manufacturing.

Butchers, bakers, coffee producers, cheesemongers and brewers are among the types of traders being targeted.

As for the bigger picture, work at the former Merrywalks Shopping Centre includes a complete refurbishment of the multi storey car park, as well as the retail space.

Artisans or traders wishing to be considered should contact centre manager Dionne Moore at Dionne.Moore@fivevalleysstroud.co.uk.  All local producers will be considered.

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