Work starts on new council homes for Church End as market moves temporarily

The first steps towards building 99 council homes and an improved Market Square for the local community in Church End get underway this Saturday (19 November).

To allow the builders, Wates, to make a start on the works, the popular Church End Market is moving temporarily to Church Road.

On the market days, Wednesdays and Saturdays, Church Road will be closed from 6am to 6pm to create space for the temporary market while the 60 and 66 bus routes will be diverted. There will be signs up along the road to show where the new bus stops are.

It is expected that works will end in 2025 when the market will return to its current site. The new market will feature enhanced stalls with brand new tables and gazebos. There will also be new commercial units close to the newly built council homes, as well as the planting of more trees along Church Road and additional litter bins. 

“I want to thank residents in advance for their support and patience while the building works are ongoing and the market moves temporarily.”

Councillor Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters’ Security, said: “A safe and secure home is the foundation for every family to build upon and these much-needed new council homes in Church End will open up a wealth of opportunities for local families in the future.”

The new council homes and market square are part of the wider Church End Masterplan that aims to breathe a new lease of life into the area, providing new opportunities for local people.

Find out more about plans for the future of Church End.