Shoppers are being reminded that Brierley Hill Market is very much open for business as major refurbishment works are undertaken to this important heritage asset.

The front of the market is temporarily obscured with hoarding while improvements are being undertaken, but the hall remains fully accessible from the front and back.

Dudley Council is utilising Brierley Hill High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) funding for the works, which include the reinstatement of original 1930s architectural features such as the hall’s decorative and historic canopy. The market will maintain its usual opening days of Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 8am to 4pm, but some traders will be temporarily located in a different area of the hall.

Family friendly events, including a 1940s day taking place this Saturday (9 March) with tap dancers, a George Formby tribute, military vehicles and a fancy dress competition, will continue as planned.

Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader and cabinet member responsible for economic delivery, said: "The market is an iconic building that forms the heart of the town we are delighted the refurbishment works are taking place with Brierley Hill High Street Heritage Action Zone funding.

"I am very grateful to all those involved in making this project possible, especially the traders who make the market the life and soul of the town. I urge people to come and visit Brierley Hill to support the market but to also see all the other regeneration works we are doing to help revitalise Brierley Hill High Street."

Brierley Hill Market was designed by Jennings and Homer Architects. It was built in the 1930s as a covered market, under a large barrel-vaulted steel frame roof, to replace a market situated in the area that is now the Moor Centre.

Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) aims to help with the recovery of local high streets from regenerating historic buildings and structures as well as art and cultural projects. The ‘100 Faces of Brierley Hill’ was also delivered thanks to HAZ funding, which is currently on display at the market.

Daniel Morris, co-owner of Brierley Hill Market, added: "We are very keen for everyone to know that we are fully open and that it is business as usual. Please do pop into the market to see and hear more about all of the great works that are being done."