Breathing life back into Buxton market

Lindsay Fieldhouse was appointed the market manager by the Town Team at the beginning of the month.

The 40-year-old said: “This used to be a thriving and bustling market town and it is a shame it has dwindled, but we are determined to make it a success and a place people want to shop.”

The Town Team took over the running of the market from High Peak Borough Council last year and the new manager has big plans.

“We want to create a market of 40 stalls all with proper awnings to protect from the Buxton weather.

“The market will go back to basics, providing shoppers with essentials like meat, fish, fruit and veg along with household items and clothes but also offer those unique products you can’t find in the shops.

The market will remain on Tuesdays and Saturdays on the Market Place in Buxton.

“We have some very dedicated traders who have stood by the market even while it was decline and they won’t be left out - but I want to make it the best it can be,” she said.

In the months running up to the relaunch, on Saturday, April 30, the mum-of-one and grandmother-of-one will be spending time going to other markets and drumming up traders.

“This is a market for everyone,” she said.

“I want to have specialist traders coming in and make the market something that gets people excited.”

With previous experience organising events in Sheffield, Lindsay, from Bradwell in the Hope Valley, will be drawing on that for her new role.

“I get such a buzz seeing the streets full of people and everyone having a good time and I want to bring that feeling back to Buxton.”

Lindsay will now be working hard to increase the market’s profile.

“People need to know when it is on and what traders we have, so I will be upping the social media interaction that the market gets and engaging with people about it.”

She added: “This project will be great to help return Buxton to market town status.”

Making an event of market days

People have to want to leave their house and come out to the market , said new market manager Lindsay Fieldhouse

“I want to make the markets feel like a street carnival event, be that through singers, entertainers, or reindeer at Christmas.

“There will of course be a market that is going to grow from strength to strength but if there are themed days or activities to keep the children busy parents are more likely to come out and shop.”
A strong market, she said, will do wonders for the town.

“Everyone from the Town Team to the local community is doing all it can to push this wonderful historical spa town and a thriving market will attract more tourists and residents who live out of the area .

“We are going to put Buxton back on the map and showcase how great we are.”

She added: “I will also be approaching shop owners to see how we can all work together to boost the town’s economy.”