English Market unveils its updated Grand Parade entrance

The English Market has unveiled its newly redecorated facade to coincide with the opening of the adjacent Capitol development.

The Grand Parade entrance to Ireland’s oldest indoor food market has been repainted and its signage updated. Flagpoles have also been restored to the building and the Irish and Cork flags now fly outside the building.

The colours were chosen to reflect recent changes to The English Market’s logo and branding and follows recent refurbishments within the Market itself.

Pat O Connell, head of the traders committee said they are welcoming the public to the market every day and it was important that they give the right impression and look the part. 

"The produce we have in the market is top notch so it’s important that other elements of the market are just as good," he said.

"We have been gradually improving the market over the years but this is the first big visual change we’ve made and I think it makes a huge difference. The whole street looks fantastic with the new Capitol development and we wanted to help enhance the appearance of the street which I really think we have. We’re delighted with it.”

Speaking about the renovations, Órla Lannin, Manager of The English Market said the work in keeping with exciting new developments on the street. 

"It looks fantastic and the whole street has now been elevated. We are so proud to have the tricolour and the Cork flag flying high and hope all our visitors and customers like the new look.” 

The former Hilsers jewellers premises which is located between the two Grand Parade entrances to the market is also set to be used in the future for civic purposes, likely connected to the market.

Following its extensive redevelopment, the Capitol is expected to open in June with a number of businesses and companies taking up retail and office space.

Lifestyle Sports and Homesense will be the main retailers while Facebook, Alien Vault and Huawei are all taking up office space on the floors above.