The new multimillion pound markets development in Rotherham town centre has hosted its first new market since the first stage of redevelopment works completed - a halal food bazaar.

Some traders on the outdoor market, that have temporarily been using the main streets in Rotherham town centre, have also moved back to the markets site as regeneration work progresses.

Rotherham outdoor market relocated from the outdoor covered market to Effingham Street in 2023 as works progressed on the regeneration of the Drummond Street site.

As part of the £46.844m scheme, traders from the old indoor market have moved temporarily into the New Market Hall until the work on the indoor market is complete (previously scheduled for Autumn 2027). When these traders move back into their revamped home, street traders are due to make use of the new Market Hall.

Operator, Rotherham Council, has now made the decision to move the Monday and Friday general market from the street onto the public space around the Rotherham Market Hall.

As part of the works, a new public realm area has been created between the market building and Eastwood Lane and the college campus.

It is not yet known if the general outdoor market on a Saturday, Tuesday street market, Wednesday Antiques & bric-a-brac market, or Rotherham Bazaar on a Thursday, will follow.

At the end of September, a new halal food bazaar took place in the new public realm area.

The Rotherham Bazaar launched in 2013 in the old outdoor covered market and is held every Thursday. Taking place on what was historically the quietest shopping day of the week, an outside operator was brought in by Rotherham Council as a response to the message that customers wanted new shopping experiences to be introduced to the town.

Since its launch, the Rotherham Bazaar has held a number of special market days around Eid and made the move to the main streets in the town when demolition work began on the outdoor covered market.

Promoted by the same operator, the halal food bazaar is set to take place on the last Saturday of every month.

Halal Food Council USA explains that halal food is a fundamental aspect of Islamic dietary laws and plays a crucial role in the lives of Muslims around the world. The term “halal” refers to anything that is permissible according to Islamic law, and this includes not only what is lawful but also what is wholesome and good. Understanding the basics of halal food is not only important for Muslims but also for anyone interested in diverse culinary traditions and global food culture.

The first event on September 26 included stalls selling nuts, olives, fruit & veg, specialist teas, iced drinks, fresh jalebi (a popular, spiral-shaped deep-fried sweet soaked in sugar syrup), sweets, waffles and other desserts.

Rotherham Bazaar facebook page
Rotherham Markets website

Images: Rotherham Bazaar / Facebook / Cllr. Rukhsana Ismail / Instagram