A MAJOR £65,000 relaunch of Whitehaven Market is set to kick off in the autumn.

An unveiling of new stalls as well as family entertainment will mark the rebranding of the historic market on Saturday, September 24.

It has been funded by Whitehaven Town Council who will be working with Copeland Council.

A new market manager will be employed to help attract new stalls, including starter stalls to help young entrepreneurs and stalls to promote established businesses in the town.

Future plans include themed markets, continental markets and a Christmas market. It is hoped there will also be monthly stalls for local produce, charity and car boot-type sales.

The revamped market will also have a new layout which will see the stalls running down the middle of the area, back-to-back.

Previously, stallholders needed to bring and erect their own stalls; now branded stalls, in a range of sizes, will be available to ensure the market has “a clear identity and visual consistency’’.

The aim is provide visitors and shoppers with a “quality market product with a professional image’’.

Raymond Gill, ceremonial mayor for Whitehaven Town Council, said: “I have always been fully supportive of revamping the market to help regenerate the town.

“I welcome the scheme and hope we can see it go forward.’’

Mayor of Copeland Mike Starkie said: “This is a significant investment by Whitehaven Town Council.

“We want to appeal to as many people as possible to revive the market and boost trade in the town.’’

Market days will continue to be Thursdays and Saturdays, with free parking on the Ginns on Saturdays.

Whitehaven was first granted a market charter in 1672 by Charles II. However, in recent years it has been hit by the rise of discount stores and now only offers a handful of stalls.

The revamp follows months of discussions with stall-holders and local businesses, as well as a survey on the general public’s views.