Preston Box Market - become a trader

Taking inspiration from well-known markets in London, the innovative Box Market is made up of a mix of independent traders occupying upgraded shipping containers.

The containers mainly accommodate non-food, as they do not have a mains water supply or drainage. A variety of access and frontage designs will be available. Shipping containers can be customised to suit your needs. For example, customers can walk in to the container or be served from a counter at the front. They will come pre-boarded with a distribution board, ready for power/lighting to be connected to suit your requirements. 

Please note that due to high demand there are currently no Box Market units available.

Opening times

Monday to Saturday - 8 - 5pm. 

Current trader opportunities

For current trader opportunities and fees see our Council property search.

How to apply

To apply to trade at the Box Market complete the following online form:

Apply to trade at the Box Market

Please note: the application form includes a section on business planning. This is important as it helps us understand how your business will compete, add value and sustain itself when we are assessing your application. Please try to complete this section as fully as possible. 

Storage

Currently a limited number of shipping containers have been allocated for storage use under the former Fish Market Canopy. We ask that you consider carefully your storage requirements and how you can innovatively and efficiently use potential areas within a stall. For example, under counter storage, additional shelving etc and whether these types of solutions will provide enough space. If additional storage is required, it's worth noting that shipping containers can be split to provide more flexibility. Due to their temporary nature only limited services will be available to the containers. Electricity will be provided but if drainage and water are required these will be your responsibility and thought should be given to filling and emptying tanks. Please indicate on your application form if you are interested in storage.

What happens next?

Following  assessment of the applications (PDF) [178KB] and interviews (if required), stalls will be allocated to applicants with the best offer whilst taking into account that we need to achieve the right balance of goods and services for a successful market.

Successful applicants will need to provide Public Liability Insurance (PLI) for minimum £10 million and relevant to market trading.

Leases

Leases are designed to offer traders a balance of flexibility and security of tenure and will be offered on a three year basis and six-year basis.

Market rules

For the benefit of all market traders and the smooth running of the market, there is a set of common sense Preston Box Market rules attached to the lease for successful applicant.

Trader parking

There are no specific parking facilities for market traders, although parking is available within a short distance of Preston Markets at Hill Street surface car park.

Market Office

The Market office is located on Birley Street, on the Box Market, opposite the Market Hall.

Opening hours are:

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 7.30am - 5pm 
• Tuesday and Thursday: 7:30am - 5pm

View our current traders

Find out about our current traders by visiting Preston Markets - Box Market traders.

Map address for Preston Market

Preston Market, Earl Street, Preston, PR1 2LA.