The popular market achieved the accolade in the Great British Market
Awards 2024 which celebrate retail and wholesale markets across the UK.
Judges praised Bilston as one of the markets exhibiting “exceptional
dedication and innovation in serving their local communities”.
Bilston Indoor Market has a long and proud history, with the market hall
celebrating its 50th birthday last March. It currently has 88 stalls with 42
traders and clocked up 1.7 million visits in 2023, an increase of 20% on 2022.
The outdoor market, which is due to celebrate its 200 th birthday this year,
hosts 117 stalls and the whole site hosts regular craft markets as well as
young traders events.
Major plans are currently underway at the market, with a planning application
submitted for the redevelopment of the outdoor market. The final design has
been shaped following consultation with traders and the public.
The redevelopment, supported by £5.2 million from the Town’s Fund, includes
the enhancement of the entrance off the Black Country Route alongside
reorganisation and refurbishment of the indoor and outdoor markets,
There will also be the introduction of new retail units and public toilets, the
provision of a flexible space where events can be hosted and a taller
canopy to cover the stalls in the outdoor market.
The new look market will be connected to extensive public space
improvements and Bilston’s public transport hub. The market
redevelopment is also part of the transformative Bilston Health and
Regeneration Programme (HaRP).
Councillor Craig Collingswood, City of Wolverhampton Council's cabinet
member for environment and climate change, said: "This is a marvellous
accolade for Bilston Indoor Market and a real credit to the traders, the staff
and the customers who all contribute to make this such a thriving and
friendly place to shop.
“At a time when a number of indoor markets are closing, I am really happy to
say that Bilston is still going strong and we have full occupancy on stalls in the
indoor market as well as outdoor.

"We’re all looking forward to the fantastic redevelopments to come at the
outdoor market which will offer an even better shopping experience.
“Bilston attracts people from miles around and I would urge anyone who
hasn't been to visit our Highly Commended market to come down and see
for yourself what all the fuss is about."
Bilston indoor and outdoor markets include more than 200 stalls, offering a
huge range of goods and services including fresh foods, fruit and vegetables,
meat and fish, a large range of fashion, jewellery and shoes and household
items.
There is also a café so shoppers can take a break and relax, as well as free
car parking close by. Opening times are Monday, Thursday, Friday and
Saturday, 8.30am to 4pm.
For more information about Bilston Market and how to become a trader visit
www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/markets or call 01902 555200.