SCORES of new retailers officially opened for business at the weekend.

The Open Market launch party on Saturday saw 45 traders take up stalls in the revamped space.

There had been frustration over delays to the handover, but it was all smiles at the weekend as shoppers flocked to check out the new offerings.

The redevelopment is part of a £20 million regeneration of the London Road area.

One trader to move into the new space is Darryl Black, of Eco Makers Emporium, who hand-makes unique ‘upcycled’ clothing.

She said: “The first days were a real success and really enjoyable. “There’s been lots of good reaction and lots of interest in my shop.

“I think the whole Open Market is going to be great, there’s so many interesting stalls and shops.

“London Road is really coming up.”

Others businesses to take up space in the market include Dave Ovett and Sons’ egg shop, Smith and Crumble T-shirt shop, Buttons and Bows, Foodshed, Charlie’s Kitchen, Streets Cafe and Fat Sams.