The McGoff Group has now re-designed Urmston’s eagerly awaited Market 41 food hall concept to make sure it complies with both business and leisure needs in a post-Covid world.
Now rays of light are emerging for the UK’s hospitality industry, the award-winning developer has re-worked plans for the contemporary food hall on Railway Road to ensure the scheme can function viably, with minimal operational risk, as we move towards a ‘new normal’ way of meeting and socialising.
Months of planning, evaluation and assessment work have gone into the re-design and it is hoped that the new scheme can be submitted for planning in the next couple of weeks.
The new revamped concept still retains a food hall at heart but has now been re-worked with modular units to ensure a clearer distinction between the individual operators as well as more outdoor space to enable opportunity for social distancing.
On the ground floor will be a mix of exciting food and beverage units as well as beauty and lifestyle market stalls, a dedicated space for regular pop-ups and all-season cover for artisan markets and events.
More restaurants and café bar operators will be located on the first floor along with private dining rooms, boutique event spaces and a selection of offices, studios and workshops.
A CGI of the original concept put forward in 2018
As demand for contactless overnight accommodation has surged during the pandemic, plans now include the proposal to include 30 ‘hands free’ hotel-style bedrooms with keyless self check-in operated via smart phone apps on the top floor along with several further stunning open air event spaces. Accommodation of this kind would attract weekend-breakers who would appreciate the opportunity to explore the wider local area while staying at an exciting food and beverage-led destination.
Chris McGoff, Director at the McGoff Group, said: “The way in which we conduct our day-to-day working lives and spend our leisure time has been re-set for the foreseeable future, forcing us not only to re-think how Market 41 will function in a post-pandemic world but also how best to future proof the concept against unforeseeable operational risk should further restrictions or lockdowns present themselves.
“We have explored different ways to enable the project to be delivered in phases so that as the economy gradually recovers and the project builds momentum we can flex by adding additional elements of the proposed offer. Conversely if lockdowns reoccur and the economy contracts, elements of the project can effectively be put into hibernation without having major long-term consequences.”
The McGoff Group has also given careful thought to how the development can best serve the local Urmston community. In addition to job creation and an exciting food and drink offer, Market 41 will offer a modern socially-distanced space for work and meetings, indoor and outdoor spaces for special occasions and events and unique self-contained pods for those looking to work outside of home without returning to the city centre. This will offer flexible options for local start-ups looking for a dedicated workspace away from the home environment.
“Working practices have changed and city centre commutes are set to be less frequent,” added McGoff, “but people will still want a stimulating space with a great F&B offer for meetings, after work drinks and catching up with friends.
“Refocussing our efforts on reassessing the project to ensure it is future proof has taken some time, but we are now confident that we have a business model that is fit-for-purpose and deliverable and look forward for re-submitting it for planning in the not too distant future.”
Located on Railway Road in the centre of Urmston, Market 41 will also boast exemplary environmental and sustainability credentials including vertical farming installation, food composting and nutrient re-cycling and in-house local food delivery by bicycle.
To keep up to date with plans, visit www.market41.com