A 'unique' Manchester market is poised to shut its doors after more than a century of trading.
Conran Street Market is believed to be the final privately-owned market remaining in the city, with its 50 stalls continuing to operate to this day.
The family that owns the Harpurhey site has now chosen to place the acre of land and its existing redbrick structures on the market. The property will go under the hammer with a guide price of £450,000.
Whilst the market's future will be decided by the successful bidder on July 30, auctioneers Pugh say the site would be a good location for housing development.
Ed Feather, a director at Pugh, said: "Although it's always sad to see a community asset such as a market go, there is an urgent need for quality new housing stock in Harpurhey.
"The area immediately surrounding the market site is mainly residential, so a new development would be in keeping with this neighbourhood.
"It's in an excellent location, just four miles north of Manchester city centre and right next to the pleasant 45-acre green space of Moston Vale.
"Central Park business park is also nearby, with a growing workforce and a resulting demand for quality accommodation."
Beyond the trading stalls, Conran Street features a café and street art adorning the walls of the principal market structure, which Pugh confirmed will be 'safeguarded' as a community asset, either by incorporating the art into any new development, or moving the wall to another spot in Harpurhey.
Labour councillor Pat Karney spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service about the 'unique' market's role in shaping the north Manchester neighbourhood for generations. He said: "It's been in Harpurhey for decades but the whole world of markets has moved on. I just wish a good future for it."
