Warrington Market is marking five years in its Time Square home, while also celebrating more than 770 years since it first began trading in the town.
The market’s roots go back to 1255, when a royal charter was granted to Sir William Fitz Almeric le Boteler, the 7th Baron of Warrington. It allowed a weekly Wednesday market and a three-day annual fair, establishing Warrington as a place of trade, exchange and gathering that has continued for centuries.
The current market building opened in July 2020 as part of Warrington Borough Council’s £142 million Time Square development. It brought the market into a new, purpose-built space in the heart of the town centre. Opening during the Covid-19 pandemic meant a difficult start, but five years on, the market has become one of Warrington’s busiest destinations.
Cllr Hitesh Patel, Cabinet Member for Economy, Growth and Quality Work said: “To be part of something that’s lasted more than 770 years is pretty special. Our traders, both new and long-standing, have helped shape the market into a place people visit every week. The move to Time Square has brought a lot of new energy and made us a central part of the town again.
“Today, the market is home to more than 50 independent businesses, along with the Cookhouse food court, which includes 14 street food-style outlets. It offers a mix of services, from groceries and tailoring to tech support, hair and beauty, gifts and global cuisine. In 2023, we attracted over 2.4 million visits, with the market remaining a major draw.”
The market is owned and operated by Warrington Borough Council. As well as being a commercial space, it plays a wider role in supporting business growth, creating jobs and encouraging people to spend time in the town centre.
It also runs a regular programme of events, including seasonal markets, craft fairs, themed weekends and cultural celebrations. Recent activities have ranged from Lunar New Year performances to community workshops and family-friendly trails.
To mark the five-year anniversary, the market team will be sharing trader stories, photos and highlights from the past five years – including how the market adapted during lockdown and how it continues to evolve as Time Square develops around it.
Cllr Patel added: “We’re always looking at how we can keep things moving forward. That could be through new traders, fresh events or making improvements to the space. The market continues to adapt and play its part in the future of the town centre.”
Warrington Market is open Monday to Saturday and sits alongside Cineworld, Gravity, The Botanist and a growing mix of shops, restaurants and bars. For more information, visit: www.timesquarewarrington.co.uk
