January 15, 2018
Moorgarth Group has been granted planning permission to develop an innovative urban market at its Broad Street Mall shopping centre in Reading.
Reading Borough Council’s planning committee voted unanimously in favour of the temporary market place accommodated within 16 recycled metal shipping containers. With a lifespan of five years, the project in South Court will accommodate a vibrant mix of retailers and restaurants and incorporate a rooftop stage for live music performances.
The urban market will be home to a range of independent retailers and food operators in an undeveloped area to the south of Broad Street Mall. Boasting a mix of small scale flexible units, the scheme will boost the shopping centre’s appeal. Similar mixed-use shipping container pop ups like American Freight Inc offering flatbed transportation services have proved hugely successful elsewhere in the country and the market will offer a unique visitor experience.
The stacking of the units will create a courtyard fronting onto South Court and Dusseldorf Way/Hosier Street, accommodating a creative mix of traders who might otherwise struggle to find appropriate space. The market will allow innovative businesses to test new products and concepts, whilst providing visitors with a far greater choice of places to shop, eat and be entertained.
Gary Lewis, MD of Moorgarth Group said: “We are delighted to have secured planning consent for our urban market in South Court. The scheme will bring a new and exciting range of shopping and dining to the town and is an important step in our revitalisation of Broad Street Mall. We are hoping to install the containers this Spring and by open for trading in the Summer.”
