The popular indoor market at The Mall Luton celebrated its 40th birthday last week, having opened as the first phase of the development of the then-named Arndale Centre back in 1972.
LUI STRACCIA looks at the origins of the market in the town, through to the launch of the centre 40 years ago, and last weekend’s landmark.
In 1972, Edward Heath was Prime Minister, the average weekly wage was £58, and television shows such as ‘Emmerdale Farm’ and ‘Are You Being Served?’ hit the airwaves for the first time.
It was also the year Luton’s current indoor market was built to replace an existing covered market hall that fronted both Cheapside and Waller Street, which itself was constructed in 1925 to bring an outdoor market under cover from its previous existence in George Street, Market Hill, Park Square and Park Street.
The town has had a market for more than 1,000 years and, although it was mentioned in the Domesday Survey of 1086, historians have found clear indications that it was in operation well before the Norman invasion of 1066.
Currently home to more than 100 independent stalls, the market has a broad offering that covers everything from food to fashion – including a selection of internationally-themed, freshlycooked meals and specialist stalls catering for the town’s diverse and vibrant population.
It is located at the Church Street entrance inside The Mall, and is open Monday to Saturday, 9am- 5pm.
Dave Gibbs, manager with Town and Country Markets, the company now responsible for the day-to-day operation of the market, said: “It’s very heartening to see that the market is still thriving some four decades on – albeit within a very different retail environment.
“Back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, market shopping still dominated the high street – but the advent of the superstores and larger shopping centres has of course changed the nation’s shopping habits.
“Many markets throughout the length and breadth of the UK have closed over the last 40 years but others such as ours in Luton have adapted to the changes in customer demand and we’ve grown stronger as a result.
“During the life of our market, we’ve seen trends move towards ready-meals and then as households have become more aware of the importance of healthy eating and developed more adventurous tastes – often guided by celebrity television chefs - we are seeing a return to shoppers buying fresh produce which is something that markets excel in.
“On behalf of all of the traders and staff here in Luton, we’d like to offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us throughout the last 40 years – long may it continue.”
On January 27, it was 40 years to the day that the market was first opened as part of the Arndale Centre.
The occasion was marked with festivities, culminating in the cutting of a ceremonial cake by Luton Mayor Cllr Don Worlding and Zena Skinner, the Luton-born former BBC television celebrity chef who took part in the original opening ceremony in 1972.
Forty years ago, Zena created a special ‘Market Cookbook’ containing a number of recipes that shoppers in the market could easily prepare at home.
As a tribute to the recipe book, during last weekend’s celebrations, many of the market’s hot food stalls recreated Zena’s recipes – adding their own international and contemporary twist.
Keith Ashleigh, owner of the market’s fishmonger, said: “I’ve been trading in the market for nearly 28 years and there’s a really good vibe here. There’s a sense of community – both with the traders and shoppers.
“I think that it’s fair to say that the market is really at the heart of the town.” Town and Country Markets will be launching a promotion that will see scratchcards being handed out with every purchase during the next two months.
The cards will contain prizes of Luton Market shopping vouchers worth anything up to £400 and one ‘Golden Ticket’ that will give the lucky winner a range of prizes and the chance to win a £40,000 cash prize in a game of chance on Saturday, March 31.
