Market traders are to return to the heart of Surrey Street as the first phase of its £1.1m upgrade comes to an end.

All of the stalls which temporarily relocated to North End for the duration of the works, will be back trading from Surrey Street Market from Monday 5 June.

Their temporary move enabled an intensive programme of works to be carried out as safely and as quickly as possible, after contractors began work on site in March.

The first phase of the programme of works finished last week and council contractors have carried out a range of improvements which include levelled pavements, improved drainage and the installation of new cabling to support an upgraded street lighting scheme.

The renovation of the 700-year-old market will continue with new street lighting, widened footways and the installation of public art due to be carried out in coming months, to help create a vibrant, adaptable, pedestrian friendly market space.

A formal launch event to celebrate the upgraded market will take place on Saturday 24 June, where a wide range of entertainment will be on offer. Further details about the event will be made public shortly.

Andy Opie, director of safety, said: “I am really pleased market traders are able to move back to Surrey Street and make use of the improvements that have been made so far.

“The completed works will help create a more flexible market space which will boost growth and help ensure the market becomes a truly vibrant destination where visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including shopping, eating and viewing art.”