Middlesbrough Council operates an outdoor market in North Ormesby on a Tuesday and Saturday.

The first market was founded in North Ormesby in 1875 by Mr J.S. Pennyman, a member of the family of local landowners of Ormesby Hall.

Although serving a relatively small catchment area, the day to day requirements of the local community sustained a busy shopping and social centre at a time when links with other areas were few and public transport was limited. A few small carriers did however run services to North Ormesby market on Saturdays from outlying districts.

Trade in the market declined until it almost went out of existence in 1949 when some traders began trading on a Tuesday. Saturday traders joined these and numbers were boosted when Middlesbrough market in St Hilda's closed in 1959. The market flourished and grew during the next 30 years.

The market continues to thrive on a Tuesday which is complemented by the Saturday market. Further changes are expected when the market area is redeveloped as part of the proposed regeneration of North Ormesby.

Redevelopment of North Ormesby Market Square

Following the recent developments around the Market square, a developer’s contribution has been secured to fund environmental improvements to the market place and surrounding areas. After detailed consultation with partners, traders and the local community, plans have been agreed for the design of the square, and work will begin on site in February 2011.

The Market Place layout must combine functionality with attractiveness. The design is based upon creating an area that can operate well as a market place by combining sufficient numbers of well laid out trading pitches with some associated parking, whilst also providing an attractive, multi-purpose public space when the market it not taking place. The relationship of the market to Kings Road will be strengthened which should benefit the local economy.

The works will comprise:

• resurfacing of the square, with the introduction on contrasting materials, and creation of more formalised parking bays to the perimeter of the square;
• limited tree planting within the new parking areas to add some vertical elements that are currently lacking;
• the introduction of bollards and street furniture to ensure the centre of the square will be traffic free on non-market day, which will have the added benefit of controlling traffic movement within the area;
• demolition of the existing unsightly amenity block, and the formation of replacement facilities in an existing shop unit at 36 Market Place; and
• new lighting will be installed throughout the square and along Kings Road. Banners will be installed on the lighting columns and replaced with Christmas lights during the festive period.

The market will continue to operate during the works, so a detailed phasing plan will be produced once the main contractor has been appointed which will aim to minimise disruption. Ongoing liaison with the Market Trader’s Forum will be important to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Signage and advertising of the market will be addressed as part of a re-branding exercise culminating in a re-launch of the market when work is completed in July 2011. The re-shaping of the market will present an opportunity to review the market rules and regulations. The Market Manager will develop these in consultation with the Market Trader’s Forum.

These improvements should complete the vision for the regeneration of North Ormesby and provide the area with a much-improved market square, which in turn will help to support the activities, businesses and vitality of the area.

Should you require any additional information on the plans, or would like to make any comments, please contact Rachel Cleminson, Urban Design Officer on 01642 729635

How to apply for a market stall licence