Historic Durham indoor market set to reopen - this is what to expect from 'new normal' at markets

The historic Market Hall shopping facility has been shut since March due to the coronavirus outbreak.

But bosses now say they hope to get traders and shoppers back inside from Saturday, June 22.

The plans follow a green light from Durham County Council for outdoor markets to restart, with the Durham City Outdoor Market due to resume on Saturday, June 13.

Colin Wilkes, managing director of Durham Markets, said: “We’ve heard from many traders and customers who want to see life begin to return to normal, but for us it is important that we get it right, and we reopen safely.

“We’ve worked closely with NABMA, the leading organisation for markets in the UK, and are monitoring government guidelines.

“We will do our utmost to make the market safe.

“The ‘new norm’ may mean that queues move a bit more slowly and shoppers will not be able to pick up and handle items on stalls, and we ask that people are patient and understanding.

“However, we know we’ll have a great range of stalls returning from June 13 and that our traders will be keen to meet their customers again, to chat and share ideas.

“For many who love the city of Durham, it will be wonderful to see market stalls and shoppers coming back into the Market Place.”

It is also hoped the regular Durham City Farmers’ and Craft Market, usually held on the third Thursday of every month, will resume in July.