GALLERY: Traders delighted as Top Town Market reopens in temporary space

16 May 2025, 13:52

Grimsby’s temporary Top Town Market has opened its doors for the first day of trading today, Friday 16 May, inside Freshney Place Shopping Centre.

The original market, which closed in February, is currently being demolished to make way for a new cinema development. Since then, traders have been without a base — until now.

Located in a unit at the Riverhead end of the centre, the temporary market will be home to 11 traders while work continues on a permanent market hall. Some others have relocated elsewhere within the town.

Among those back in business are Birketts Butchers, Black Cat Books, Carl’s Meats, Cobblers & Keys, Girlie Gear, Graham Thompson Jewellers, K&P Collectables, Temple Ranch Clothing, The Card and Party Box, The Veg Stall, and Upsa Daisy Florists.

As shoppers returned to see familiar faces and browse their favourite stalls, Gi Grimsby News visited the new space and spoke to traders — many of whom expressed their joy — about the long-awaited return of the market.

Describing the reopening as a “positive step”, Sue at Cobblers & Keys said the reopening had created “an actual buzz of customers.”

She continued: “We’ve had a few new customers already, and I definitely think it’s a really good move for everyone’s business. We’re really happy to be here.

“The last few days whilst we’ve been inside getting it ready, there’s been people knocking on the window, waving and people talking to us through the shutter, telling us they can’t wait for us to open. Quite a lot of people have come today, it’s been really busy.”

Similarly, Diane at Black Cat Bookshop said all of her regular customers had returned for the reopening today.

“Now we’ve moved it’s a lot better,” she said. “I’m loving it — it’s warmer and brighter and all my regular customers are coming and saying how much they like it.”

Sharon, who runs The Card & Party Box, said the reopening had been “really good and really positive.” She said: “Everybody seems to love it — you’ve got the old customers coming in but you’ve also got new customers, so that’s good.“

Debbie, who runs Temple Ranch Clothing, added: “I’m meeting so many people that came to the last market, everybody seems to be loving it now that it’s back, and it’s really positive.

“It’s quite a nice vibe, I think because everyone’s closer it allows everyone to drift from store to store. I’ve had people go to one stall, and six foot away there’s another stall and they’ve seen somebody they know, then next minute they’re having a chat.”

Kathy at K&P Collectables described the response to the reopening as “manic”, stating that she has “never seen so many customers.”

“People are loving it,” she said. “We’ve had all our regular customers and we’re full with orders today! It’s bringing some quality back into the town centre. It takes time but I think customers will be giving good reviews as it’s lovely and bright!”

A spokesperson for Girlie Gear echoed the thoughts of other traders, stating that the new space was an improvement on the original market, and shared optimistic hopes for the future.