South Shields Market is set to enter a new chapter, with a specialist operator appointed to help enhance and grow the town’s popular Saturday market.
South Tyneside Council has selected Local Heroes to manage the weekly market, bringing fresh ideas aimed at attracting more visitors, supporting traders and creating a more vibrant shopping experience.
The appointment follows the success of similar markets elsewhere in the region and forms part of the council’s wider ambitions to revitalise South Shields town centre, increase visitor numbers and strengthen the local economy.
Evidence shows that well-managed markets can significantly boost footfall, support independent businesses and improve the overall appeal of town centres. By bringing in a specialist operator, the council hopes to benefit from additional expertise in trader engagement, marketing and customer experience.
Visitors can look forward to a refreshed mix of stalls featuring local makers, independent retailers and an expanded food and shopping offering under the new arrangement.
The changes will also build on the market’s existing strengths. Current traders will continue to play a central role, with opportunities to influence the market’s future direction while welcoming new businesses and experiences designed to broaden its appeal and attract new audiences.
Cllr Paul Mackings, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “This is an important step in our plans to breathe new life into South Shields town centre.
“We want to see more people visiting, spending time here and supporting our local businesses, and improving the market offer is key to driving that footfall.
“This is another piece of the jigsaw as we work to revitalise the town centre and build confidence in South Shields as a place to invest and grow.
“With significant investment already happening, including the relocation of South Tyneside College, strengthening the market will help build on that momentum and bring more people into the heart of the town.
“We see real potential for this to act as a catalyst for further private sector investment and play a key role in the town’s future.”
The partnership with Local Heroes will initially run as a pilot programme from 4 July 2026 until the end of the year, allowing the council to trial a new approach to market management and assess its impact.
During the pilot, the focus will be on improving the day-to-day operation of the market, increasing visitor numbers, making better use of available stalls and strengthening communication and support for traders, while maintaining a fair, transparent and sustainable service.
Chris Jewitt, co-founder of Local Heroes, said: “We’re really excited to be bringing our offer to South Shields and to be working with traders to build on what is already there. Markets are at the heart of communities, and we want to celebrate the traders people already know and love, while introducing new ideas that encourage more people to visit and spend time here.
“At Local Heroes we are passionate about community-led placemaking, incubation of new business and celebrating local heritage, so we look forward to helping bring the Market Place back to the thriving, vibrant space it once was and making it a key destination in the town centre once again.”
Further information, including details of the refreshed Saturday market, participating traders and launch arrangements, will be announced in the coming weeks.
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