What's Next for Cheadle Market?
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
On Wednesday 3rd of June 2026 SMDC opened the doors of Cheadle Market to allow community and business owners along with local councillors to take a look inside and find out what their plans are regarding development.
The architect in attendance from Stride Treglown explained their vision to groups of 17 people, this was because they had 17 hard hats available. It was a good number, with visitors within hearing distance and able to see the market as well as asking questions.
He started with an overview of their plan, which is a large open seating area running the non-attached length of the building and improved door access. What was previously the cafe would become the prep area and 4 toilets in the top attached corner. Where the attached side stalls are currently would be reconfigured into 4 larger stalls for food and beverage sales. The self-contained unit at the front (formerly the saddlery) would remain, and another would be replicated on the other side of the double doors, which would be improved to allow more light into the area. There would also be a canopy running the length of the non-attached side of the building. On the opposite side of the market square are to be 4 kiosk-sized retail units.
They will also be looking at the possibility of restoring the cobblestones that sit beneath tarmac on the market square and keeping the beautiful Staffordshire tiles in the market hall. The canopy will be constructed in the style of the original market shambles. The original market clock will be taking pride of place in the design too. There will be a change in slope within the hall to allow for wheelchair users.
The building will be insulated and have double-glazed windows and an insulated roof. A raised slab underfloor heating system powered by a heat pump will be installed. A purge vent system will be installed to allow heat out in the summer.
The architects will take in feedback from a new round of public consultation and submit a planning application no later than September but are aiming for next month.
Our editor raised concerns about the lack of retail space for small start-up businesses and if the market was fully used for food and drink, this would impact the eateries in the town. The architect said there were only three retail units open at closure.
A better poll would be to look at the trading numbers immediately before SMDC purchased the market and proceeded to wind it down. It's also true that markets are entering a bit of a renaissance period across the country, and Cheadle market has a long and successful history of allowing start-up businesses the opportunity to test their wares with a local audience, with a good number taking on business premises in the town. Outdoor makers and farmers markets are popular in the area as well as themed markets something Cheadle has had a little success in trialing previously.
Visitors were then treated to tea and biscuits at the Guild Hall where plans were on display. You can see the complete plans shared on the day in the images below.
The Display Boards...
The Plans...
Cheadle's Market Heydays
What next?
Following the public consultation which is to take place in the next couple of weeks, Stride Treglown will submit their planning application. Work will start once planning is granted. Can they complete in time before LRG takes place and if not can they safeguard the development so that the new authority must complete.
At the Cheadle Parish Assembly meeting on 18th May 2026, following questions from a member of the public and concerned town councillors, District Cllr Plant told the meeting that planning approval for the market was not required. The Growth and Economy committee had agreed on 6th May that work would commence on 1st of January and be completed by October 27.
You can hear our audio of the meeting here at 7.41 minutes. cheadlecog.com/post/small-turnout-but-rich-insights-at-cheadle-parish-assembly The information Cllr Plant shared at town council is not in alignment with what was shared at yesterdays meeting.
What's Next for Cheadle Market?- created 4th June 2026
