AFTER years of planning and anticipation, the new Warrington Market is nearly ready to open for business.

The £11million development forms a key part of the Time Square regeneration and the future of the town centre – fronting onto Bridge Street through the old Boots building and boasting a spacious food court, outdoor terrace and mezzanine floor.

Warrington Guardian:

But do you remember when the site was a car park?

Reader Malcolm Groarke sent in this fascinating picture from the late 1950s, showing a tarmacked parking spot behind Bridge Street.

Warrington Market first moved to this area from the Old Market Place in 1974, around 15 years after the photograph was taken.

This hall closed in summer 2017 and was demolished to allow for the redevelopment of the area, with the market having been temporarily housed in a building across Time Square that will now be used as a leisure destination in the meantime.

Warrington Guardian:

And, after years of construction work, the new Warrington Market will open on Monday, June 15.

Warrington Guardian:

The new look Time Square – coming in at a total cost of £142.5million – also features a cinema, bars and restaurants and new offices for Warrington Borough Council.