Idlewells Market in Sutton is now more than 85% full after it welcomed two more new traders.
Dreamcatcher Gifts and Naboulsi’s Pizzeria & Caffe have joined the busy market as it goes from strength to strength following a refurbishment.

Since the end of works in January 2018, occupancy has increased by more than 45% with a range of new stalls providing a varied shopping choice.

Latest figures also show an increase in the market’s measured footfall of more than 11% compared to the same time last year, despite the decline of the national retail climate.

The improvements have ensured the market is managed to reflect the changing commercial effects of the retail environment by working closely with current and prospective traders
The project created a new market entrance, roof space to allow more natural light, better accessibility, a new seating and café area, and new trader stall counters.

The leader of Ashfield District Council, Coun Jason Zadrozny, said: “We’re extremely proud to see the market busier than it’s been in a very long time, both in terms of traders and footfall. National figures show a 3.5% decrease in footfall across the country so to see the market on the rise is a real achievement.”

Coun Zadrozny was speaking as he met some of the new traders at Idlewells. He added: “We have some top-quality businesses now trading here. From fresh fruit and vegetables to an award-winning cobbler and everything in between, such as foodies, crafters, boutiques and cafes, there really is something for everyone!”

The cost of the work was met by the council and £375,000 via the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund allocation.

Tom Goshawk, capital projects manager for the D2N2 LEP, said: “Town centres need strong retail centres and markets at their heart, which is why the D2N2 LEP co-funded the Idlewells indoor market refurbishment.

“It is great to see that this has led to an increase in trader and customer interest, despite a challenging time for retail premises nationally.”

Andrew Elson, of Dreamcatcher Gifts, said: “Idlewells is a very warm and friendly market and our sales are already above what we had expected.

“We have seen that over the last 20 years, indoor markets in general have struggled. It’s nice to see Idlewells Market busy with good footfall, which we hope will continue to increase.”

Abdel Naboulsi, of Naboulsi’s Pizzeria & Caffe, said: “All the traders here at the market have been very friendly and welcoming.

“I received fantastic support from the markets team at Ashfield District Council, which advised about the support grants I could apply for. I’m very thankful for providing the help and information I needed to start my own business at Idlewells.”