Bilston's historic outdoor market has reopened after an £8m transformation, with the council leader declaring it the best in the country. The market returned to its traditional home on Thursday (July 2) following 18 months of improvements, drawing packed crowds.
£8m improvements include new canopy and 170 stalls
The upgrade features 170 stalls under a new market canopy, improved public areas, easier access, upgraded toilets, a flexible events space, new signage, and a taxi drop-off zone. The outdoor market had been relocated to Bilston's high street while work was carried out.
Cllr Stephen Simkins, leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “I can remember it in the 1970s and it hadn’t really changed since then. I always thought Bilston was the best market in the West Midlands but now I can be bold enough to say that I think it’s the best market in the country and that’s what we deserve in Bilston.” He added that the investment “will secure the future of this market for 50 years”.
Traders and residents praise the new market
Mike Hancox, who was born in Bilston but now lives in Canada, said: “I think the improvements are great for Bilston. I think it looks absolutely brilliant. I first came to this market in the 1970s when I was a kid and it’s obviously a big improvement on then.”
Colin Turley, who runs Col’s Car Boot, commented: “It’s lovely, it’s beautiful. Well improved and money well spent. I think it will be a success. It looks cleaner, it will need tweaking a bit but it’s the first day. It’s going to get better and better.”
Darren Nightingale from C&T Vintage Vinyl said: “It’s great, it’s nice to be in the dry and in the warm. It’s a good turnout so hopefully it will be good for all of us. The trade has been down but we’ve got through it and it’s good to be over here now finally.”
Third-generation fruit and veg seller Julie Emery from JD Produce said: “I think it’s wonderful. It’s been a long time coming I know but it has been worth the wait. It’s absolutely fantastic, the working conditions are much better and there’s been lots of positive feedback from the customers.”
William Jones, who runs the Food to Fill van, celebrated six years in business on the same day. He said: “I like the improvements. Everybody seems to be happy with their pitches… It’s a proper market this is. There aren’t many markets like this left in the Midlands left.”
Delays and additional costs
The market was originally due to open in October 2025 but was pushed back after surveys revealed poor ground conditions, including a huge sinkhole, requiring a redesign and an extra £2.5m. The total cost rose from £6.4m to £8.9m.
Cllr Simkins explained: “Anywhere in the Black Country, and Bilston specifically, once you open up the ground god knows what you’ll find. We found a massive sinkhole that has to be addressed.”
Struggling traders were offered two months free rent earlier this year due to the delays, following a 25% fee reduction for over 10 months. The site had been left as rubble for months, and the 200-year-old market celebrated its bicentennial as a building site. Some planned features, including a 12-metre beacon, solar panels, and new signs, were scrapped to stay within budget.
