A basement bar with a prohibition theme will be part of the Darlington Victorian Market development.

Jobs are promised as the second phase of the iconic market's development starts next week.

It will include revamped shop fascias and entrances, a shop floor café, a pack and despatch room to help traders using online sales, and new toilets.

A basement prohibition-themed bar named The Vault will offer ales, cocktails in a "sophisticated and comfortable environment" as part of the makeover.

The market will be open for business as usual and "minimum disruption" promised to shoppers and traders.

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Darlington Borough Council leader Councillor Jonathan Dulston said: “I can’t wait to see this next phase in the exciting redevelopment of our iconic indoor market start to take shape.

“People will start to notice the changes really soon, and these improvements will have a massive impact in how the market looks and feels going forward.

The Northern Echo: Cllr Jonathan Dulston. Picture: Sarah Caldecott.Cllr Jonathan Dulston. Picture: Sarah Caldecott. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“It’s exciting to think that these improvements will be delivered at pace, meaning that in just a couple of months our market – one of the many jewels in Darlington’s crown – will have a whole host of new facilities for everyone to enjoy.”

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The works are part of a blueprint from operators Market Asset Management (MAM) Darlington Ltd and the council for the venue to grow as a food, retail and live entertainment destination.

Contractor Urban Construction Interiors said the project would create five new jobs to be recruited from the Darlington area in work ranging from sandblasting to demolition.

The Northern Echo: An artist's impression of how the new basement prohibition-themed bar The Vault will look. Picture: groupginger.com.An artist's impression of how the new basement prohibition-themed bar The Vault will look. Picture: groupginger.com.

Operations director Kevin Keogh said: “We are delighted and proud to be involved in this project to make further improvements at the market.

“Working in live environments is something we do very well as a business, and we will be using local labour and suppliers wherever possible.”

The first phase of the revamp opened to the public in August 2021, with one third of the shop floor transformed into a street food scene with independent food traders offering world cuisine, a large communal seating area, the Market Tap bar and an events stage.

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The market has a burgeoning reputation as a community events venue, hosting the North-east final of the prestigious Young Traders Market for the first time in July.

MAM's commercial director Hayden Ferriby said: “Alongside Darlington Borough Council we are committed to making the market a continued asset for the people of Darlington and a thriving venue for local businesses.

“The latest stage of the market’s redevelopment will only enhance our aims and fuel our passion to make Darlington Market a unique destination that gives customers an experience to remember and somewhere they want to visit again.”

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