Horsham’s mixed market to return home to Piries Place

Market in Piries Place in Horsham in the 1950s (photo courtesy of Horsham Museum). SUS-140910-161256001

It is currently hosted in the Bishopric every Saturday and run by Horsham Markets alongside markets in the Carfax every Thursday and Saturday.

Following negotiations with landlords and tenants in Piries Place and Horsham District Council the move has been agreed well before Christmas to avoid too much disruption to trade.

PJ Aldred, who runs Horsham Markets with Marion Carter, said: “It is really encouraging that the council, town businesses and key stakeholders support the markets in Horsham which, of course, helps to retain its identity as a real market town.

“There are many advantages for the market to return to its roots not least that it is far more sheltered and more conducive for all year-round trading.”

The new ‘old’ home of the market is closer to the award-winning Local Produce Market in the Carfax, which has grown extensively over the last four years.

Many of the stallholders that originally traded at the mixed market when it was in Piries in the 1990s are still trading in Horsham and the operators are confident that a move back to the east end of the town centre will attract more traders to create a vibrant and exciting market every Saturday.

Brenda and Ted Kingham have been running a bakery stall at the market for more than two decades and they welcome the move back.

Brenda added: “The market was very vibrant in Piries Place before we left over ten years ago and we are very hopeful the move will help both the market and the area.”

The move is also supported by Piries Place tenants including Donna Camera, owner of La Vida Boutique, who explained: “A professionally managed market in Piries Place is a wonderful idea.

“We hope that the market will complement the already diverse mix of independent traders in Piries Place.

“Carfax market is a big draw for the town and has gained an excellent reputation for the quality of its stall holders and merchandise. I feel confident this market will further lift Piries as a shopping mecca for independent shopping.”