Pop-up shops and new restaurant to open under Shrewsbury Market Hall

A Carluccio's Christmas shop, the restaurant and a pop-up wedding dress and celebration wear retailer are among four businesses in line to take over the empty premises in Shoplatch.

It is hoped the new lettings will breathe new life into the area. Some of the shop units have been empty for a number of years.

Shropshire Council took over the management of the building earlier this year and pledged at the time to step up its efforts to attract local businesses.

Carluccio's and dress shop Strictly Party are due to open their doors this week.

The independent bar restaurant, which is yet to be named, is expected to open in early December. It will open as a pop-up until the new year before launching as a permanent venue in Shrewsbury in the spring.

Councillor David Turner, the authority's cabinet member for resources, said: "This is great news for Shrewsbury. It is going to bring new and exciting businesses that will complement the existing shops, bars and eateries and help to regenerate this part of town.

"Traditionally the shops below the Market Hall in Shoplatch and Claremont Street, have been marketed towards national companies. However, Shropshire Council has been keen to support and attract local businesses.

"We're delighted to have Christmas pop-ups in shops that would otherwise be empty over the period. They will create a buzz and bring new interest to the area."

Carluccio's Christmas pop-up shop will sell a selection of its own brand, seasonal, luxury food and drink gift boxes, hampers and treats. It is the second year that the restaurant chain, founded by TV chef and Italian food guru Antonio Carluccio, has opened pop-up Christmas shops in towns around the UK.

It will be a first for Shrewsbury and the pop-up will remain open until December 28.

Strictly Party, which opens on Friday November 13, is a pop-up dress shop selling a range of new end-of-line dresses, including wedding and prom gowns at discounted prices. At least 50 per cent of the profits of each sale will be used to support the work of the Relate charity in Shropshire.

Shropshire Council and letting agent Cooper Green Pooks, acting on its behalf, worked in partnership to help Strictly Party move in at short notice, taking just two days from the initial meeting to handing over the keys.

Alice Walton, agency surveyor of Cooper Green Pooks, said: "We are delighted to be able to secure these short term tenancies on behalf of our client Shropshire Council. Shops remain available to lease on a long-term basis and we urge retailers looking for premises to come and speak to us."

A hearing specialist company is also planning to move into one of the Market Hall shops.