New Watford Market
Watford market’s move from the old Charter Place to it’s new home in a purpose built site next to the old TJ Hughes building was made official on 10th October 2014.
It was relocated to the centre of Watford in order to attract new customers and provide a better shopping experience for its visitors.
Watford Borough Council wanted the New Watford Market to be fully covered with a canopy roof and have new lighting signs to lift its profile in the town centre.
J & J Carter were asked to design and build the canopy roof to cover the eagerly anticipated New Watford Market. The canopy we installed was a tensile fabric multi conic that covered 860m2.
One of the challenges we faced during this project was the height of the roof structure. Usually the peak of a conic is high however the client wanted a low profile roof. This made the design more complex as the loadings were higher than desired. It also raised the question of how to shed rain water and peak snow loads. Furthermore, the site proved a challenge as the installation space was restricted. We also had to work alongside many other tradesmen doing the steel work and other such jobs.
Despite these challenges we were able to create a roof that gave the market a stylish and contemporary finish.
Grocer Gary Hickman, who has been part of Watford Market for 14 years, said: “The new market will be in a much better location and I look forward to welcoming new customers as well as familiar faces’
As well as a greengrocer, there is a butcher, fishmonger and spice shop as well as sweets and treats. There’s also shops selling fashion, candles, accessories and gifts with an emphasis on small and local businesses.
New Watford Market opens 5 days per week from Tuesday to Saturday, with stalls outside on the high street on Tuesdays and Fridays.
