Ipswich market stallholders have been given another month rent-free to try to establish their pitches in their new sites after the closure of the Cornhill for redevelopment.

Ipswich Star: Part of the food court at the market has moved to Giles Circus. Picture: PAUL GEATERPart of the food court at the market has moved to Giles Circus. Picture: PAUL GEATER (Image: Archant)

And food traders who have moved to Giles’ Circus say their new site is helping them to attract new custom – although some traders are continuing to trade from Queen Street.

The changes were brought in after market traders warned their takings had been hit badly by the move of the market while the Cornhill is redeveloped.

Food traders were moved to Queen Street – a shift that suited some because they have been able to attract office workers from businesses nearby looking for a quick meal at lunchtime.

However stalls that relied on passing trade found that the move hit their business severely – and some were allowed to move nearer to other market traders who are based at the top of Princes Street between the Town Hall and Old Post Office.

The traders did say they appreciated the fact that borough officials were prepared to talk to them to understand their problems.

Ipswich council leader David Ellesmere said: “We have extended the rent-free period for the market traders to give them a chance to establish themselves and everyone wants to see a successful market.

“It did have to move because of the work to the Cornhill, but we are constantly talking to the traders to try to do the best for them and I really do hope they can be successful in their new location.”

Many of the stalls, especially those selling hot food to take away or be eaten in the street, are dependent on reasonable weather – and the forecast for freezing winds and snow over the next week may put off some traders from turning out because of fears that no one will want to eat outside in bad weather.

The work on the Cornhill is continuing – and screens surrounding the construction work should be covered in specially-designed artwork soon in an attempt to make the area look less stark.

Paving in part of the centre of the Cornhill should be completed by the summer, allowing a footpath through the middle linking between the top of Princes Street and the Lloyd’s Avenue arch to be opened so shoppers can reach the market stalls more easily.