Builders will begin work to revamp Arnold’s marketplace in April.
The market stores which had occupied the site have now been temporarily moved into Eagle Square and the site has been cleared in preparation for work to begin.
It is anticipated the new space will be open for business in Spring 2022
As well as significant upgrades to the marketplace itself, the centrepiece of the redevelopment will be a new ‘landmark’ market building, between the Methodist Church and King George V park.
The building will have seven small outlets on the ground floor facing the marketplace, targeted at small, independent businesses, and will provide a ‘central focal point for the market’.
Solar panels are planned to be installed on the roof of the building, along side a range of other environmental measures.
The first floor of the building will be set aside for flexible business space, which could be used either as a single office or subdivided offices.
An office and toilets for traders would also be included on the ground floor of the new building.
Councillor Michael Payne is the deputy leader of the council, and represents the Redhill ward for Labour.
He previously said: “This is a really good example of local government stepping in to try to assist the local economy.
“None of us know where the economy is going to go in the next six months, and clearly everybody is trying to do their level best to make sure the economy doesn’t tank in the next six months.
“We have a role to play in that, private business has a role, and central Government also has a role.
“Of course everybody hopes and expects the building and the market is full and flourishing but nobody knows what shock the economy is going to face after we’ve just gone through one of the worst pandemics we’ve ever faced.
“I think we all look forward to the building being open , the market being open and people being able to enjoy the space once when we can return to normality.”
