The proposed development of the Open Market (The Argus, January 22) looks likely to attract fresh vigour to this area of London Road – and it is particularly impressive that this will happen during a recession.
The only doubtful part of the plan is the introduction of 87 new social housing units along the sides of the market.
As this housing is to scale four storeys, it will be the tallest building in the neighbourhood – apart from the Co-op building, that is, which is also four storeys high.
Confidence in the market and the area will no doubt grow with this new construction; but the only parts of this development which are guaranteed to be occupied are the flats which are being included in the build in order to fund the market’s reconstruction.
Will the new Open Market become a vibrant area for independent traders? Or could it possibly turn into an area of overcrowded housing alongside a disused marketplace?
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