Image: Ellie Busby
Caledonian road’s new Saturday market opening next month hopes to attract more visitors to the area to boost business for small local companies and to create a community hub.
The Cally Market, which will begin trading on 17 November, was recently granted permission to operate by street trading officers from Islington Council. It will run every Saturday from 9am-6pm between Bridgeman Road and Offord Road.
Louise Brewood, Cally Market operator, said: “The amount of people walking through the area who do not stop and spend their money here surprises me. I want to boost the footfall in this area to help increase trade for local businesses. This is an exciting opportunity to bring together an eclectic mix of people.”
The majority of local businesses have expressed support for the market. Rahim Ergonuli, owner of a supermarket on Caledonian Road, said: “There are a lot of closed-down shops on this road through lack of business. The area is not very busy and we need something new to attract people here.”
The market will initially host 20 stalls, primarily selling fresh food from a variety of producers and growers.
Despite the high level of support for the market, some small traders have expressed concern. Costa Kamellos, owner of a café and delicatessen on Caledonian Road, said: “I don’t think the market should be focused on food as we already have so many food outlets here. People are fed up of food.”
However, Janine Dorling, chairman of the Cally Traders Association, said: “We have reassured traders closest to the location of the market that the idea initially came from the traders themselves to increase business to the area. Small businesses are struggling to survive in this economic climate.”
The market will be officially reviewed next July to assess the response of the general public.
