Cheadle Market & Square Update
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
During a Cheadle Town Council meeting this week, District Councillors Ian Plant and Vicky Wheeldon said that following a Growth and Economy meeting to be held in May 2026, steps will be taken to modernise Cheadle's Market Square. Currently, the building is locked, and the electricity is off. Bollards have been installed to prevent parking on the District Council-owned land adjacent to the building.
The building has now stood empty since SMDC purchased it from the estate of the private owner on September 12th, 2024, when the market, though in decline, had weekly markets outdoors and several tenants indoors, including an indoor cafe with outdoor seating area.
Since then, two surveys have been taken so far: one asking local people what they would like from their market and the other outlining possible plans. These were shared with Cheadle Town Council, and with COGNEWS in a press release on Sep 9, 2025.
There is a rumour that councils currently involved in the devolution process are not starting large-scale projects, but that does not necessarily have to be the case. Devolved areas often receive a 30-year investment fund, along with control over housing, regeneration, and transport budgets, enabling them to fund major projects directly.
Meanwhile, the Leek’s indoor markets are going from strength to strength since re-launching following a £3.4 million investment project.
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council led the project to modernise amenities and create flexible spaces for businesses and the local community. Since re-opening in late 2024, the Butter and Trestle markets have enjoyed a new lease of life, attracting a footfall of around 385,000 in the first year.
Almost 80% of customers rate their experience and time at the market as ‘very good’ or ‘good,’ with typical feedback including comments like ‘love the renovation – beautiful!’, ‘lovely new feel, much more vibrant’, and ‘great community feel’.
Three new food and drink units were created to complement the shops and stalls, and the building now plays host to a wide range of events, including evening markets, music performances, and film screenings, and larger town centre events including the Christmas lights switch-on, Pride weekend, and the Day of the Dead.
Cheadle Market & Square Update - created 5th February 2026
