AN INDOOR market styled on London’s famous Borough Market is planned for Stroud’s new-look shopping centre.

Five Valleys, previously known as Merrywalks, is planning to launch a market which would be open seven days a week.

Speaking on the plans, Mark Dransfield, chief executive of Dransfield Properties, which is developing the Five Valleys shopping centre, said: “Stroud has a fabulous farmers market here and I think our indoor stalls could co-exist with them very well seven days a week with some different producers.”

He also revealed that the market could have near to 20 stalls.

The £30million transformation of the previously rundown shopping centre is ongoing, with Jojo Mamam Bebe among the first new stores to open there in September.

Chair of Stroud District Chamber of Trade and Commerce,

Tony Davies, praised the vision of Dransfield Properties and the impact the food market could have on the town.

He said: “After many years of decline of the Merrywalks shopping centre, it is great to see the progress and learn of the vision that Dransfield Properties have for the Five Valleys shopping centre.

“We know, through our surveys of the public and other reports, that Stroud shoppers crave a diversity of businesses within the town. The chamber supports such diversity and a marketplace that fills in gaps in the offering Stroud has will both increase footfall in the town and reduce the need some residents will have to travel out of the area.

“Limited week-long food offerings, in addition to the great ones we have, is an often cited concern. Furthermore, it will open up opportunities for more businesses in the town, so adding to our local economy and community.

“Local produce and producers are important to the ethics of Stroud. Opportunities to further grow this are positive.”

Gloucestershire enterprise partnership GFirst LEP is providing a £1million loan and a £3million grant for the development of the Five Valleys shopping centre.