More mezzanine misery

The long-awaited opening of the Glossop Market Hall mezzanine has been delayed again, with traders reportedly being told they may have to wait a further three to four weeks.

The upstairs units were expected to welcome customers in September. However, with October drawing to a close, the mezzanine remains closed amid reports of further fire safety issues and the need for additional ventilation work. 

A post on Facebook claimed traders were informed of the latest delay on Friday 23rd October, despite the upstairs units having been completed for more than a year. 

The post stated that further fire-related issues had been identified and additional ventilation needed to be installed in each individual unit. 

The latest setback has left traders frustrated and uncertain about when they will finally be able to open, with concerns growing that they could miss out on crucial Christmas trading. 

Alex, who runs The Crystal Caster, shared her disappointment on Facebook, saying: “Many may have seen in the press already that the works in the market hall are not over. Each individual shop now needs its own vent and we're unlikely to be open for Christmas AGAIN!? To say I'm gutted is an understatement. I am angry and upset that the Council's incompetence has led to more than a years wait to open my shop! I have put everything into my business over the past 4 years, and I still can't open!! 

“I'm not sure where to go from here at all. 

“Fingers crossed I can get some last minute markets booked in before Christmas, and hopefully I can focus on getting the website up and running. Maybe even a live sale or two if there's enough interest?” 

Another trader, Urban Reclamation, also criticised the latest delay in a Facebook post saying: “Sadly more incompetence from the council has led to further delays in the opening of the mezzanine level at Glossop Market. 

“After the delay whilst the vents in the roof were installed and signed off, the traders have just been informed that further ventilation is needed to be fitted in each individual unit. 

“It seems a minimum of four weeks looks likely making a pre-Christmas opening looking very doubtful.” 

The posts have prompted an outpouring of support for the affected traders, with residents suggesting they should seek compensation for lost earnings. 

Councillor Adie Hopkinson has also voiced concerns, saying he was contacted by a distressed trader who had been informed of the further delay. 

He said: “I've just been contacted by a distraught trader. They have been told three to four weeks, but their confidence in HPBC has gone. I would not be surprised if two of them pull out. 

“I've made no secret of the fact that this project has been poorly managed, no accountability from officers and the leadership. I will be calling for an independent inquiry.” 

The latest reported delay follows an announcement earlier this year by High Peak Borough Council that the installation of automatic air vents in the glazed roof above the main hall and mezzanine walkways would be the final stage of the transformation. 

At the time, the work was expected to take around four weeks, with the council anticipating the mezzanine would open in September. 

The Glossop Chronicle contacted Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader of High Peak Borough Council, on Friday for his response. 

He said: “The full opening of the mezzanine is the final piece in the jigsaw and we are all keen to see the whole Market Hall open for business as soon as possible, completing the vision we had when we invested in safeguarding the future of this much-loved civic building. 

“All parties involved in the project are working hard to resolve the outstanding issues as quickly as possible, so hopefully it will be just a few more weeks before people can enjoy the whole building and support the fantastic businesses based there.”