Shoppers will get their first opportunity to wander round 46 new kiosks as the relocated Basildon market opens for the first time.

The market, which has been moved from Market Square into its new home in St Martin’s Square, opens next Thursday.

Basildon Council has worked closely with Basildon Town Centre Management Ltd (BTCM) and contractor Thomas Sinden on the relocation project.

Councillor Tony Hedley, Basildon Council’s chairman of the regeneration committee, said: “I am delighted that trade will begin at the new market. It is a key part of the regeneration of Basildon town centre and will breathe new life into this part of the town coupled with the new South Essex College development on the site of the old market.

“There were delays to the completion of the project and I would like to take this opportunity to thank both traders and shoppers for their patience throughout.”

The new market will, in addition to the provision of ‘state of the art’ kiosks, have capacity for up to 40 pop-up stalls. This will allow the market to introduce themed events alongside day to day trading.

Market manager Paul Dawson said: "We are very excited about the new market.

“We hope not only to focus on our traditional strengths but also to expand by bringing new, young talent into the market.”