Market hall revitalisation plans submitted

A planning application seeking approval to transform Goole’s historic Market Hall into a vibrant food, drink and events venue has been submitted to East Riding of Yorkshire Council.The refurbishment of the Market Hall, one of eight strategic projects allocated a share of Goole’s Town Deal funding, is seen as an anchor project that will significantly increase footfall and spend in the town centre.It’s hoped that it can also become a central part of what’s considered to be Goole’s ‘cultural quarter’ by collaborating with Junction Goole and Goole Museum.The Market Hall, built in 1896, fell into decline as shopping habits changed, and by 2018 cost Goole Town Council more than £1,000a week to keep open. The hall was closed and the building handed over to East Riding of Yorkshire Council.As well a resident food and drink offering, the refurbished Market Hall would also provide flexible space for local creative and craft businesses and host events of both a commercial and community nature. A boxing event held there recently was just one example of the many different types of activities that the venue could host in the future.Subject to planning permission being granted, a third party operator will be appointed to run the site and manage the resident operators, as well as any pop-up stalls and events. The reinvention of the Market Hall has been made possible by a Goole Town Deal grant funding award of £3.6 million, some of which has already been spent on work aimed at making the building usable in the short-term. This involved repairing the leaking roof, levelling the floor and upgrading the electrics.Members of the public can view and comment on the planning application on East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Public Access planning portal at: www.newplanningaccess.eastriding.gov.uk.