Swindon’s town centre market has moved locations to build on its “great success” so far.

Run by inSwindon BID, the market opened for the first time in Wharf Green in April.

There had long been calls for open street markets to return to the town centre and after just a week, inSwindon said it had received a “great response”.

But in recent weeks, it has been opening in a slightly different area to usual.

The market, which offers a retail market every Thursday and Saturday, along with a monthly fine food farmers’ market every third Friday of the month, is now being held around the crossroads of Bridge Street, Canal walk, Regent Street and The Parade, near to Metro Bank.

Swindon Advertiser: Dave CoxDave Cox (Image: Dave Cox)

It first moved on September 16 after a suggestion from South Swindon MP Sir Robert Buckland to be closer to high-footfall areas.

A spokesperson for inSwindon shed some more light on the move: “Speaking with the market organiser and traders, we felt it beneficial for the market to be more connected to the main shopping area of the town centre.

“The market has been a great success, the new location has built on this and encouraged new traders along.

“The layout will enable the continuous growth of the market which will hugely benefit our Town Centre.”

Meanwhile, in his recent Swindon Advertiser column, Sir Robert said: “I have been working closely with InSwindon town centre BID and Swindon Borough Council to support our market, and I was pleased that following my suggestion, the market was moved close to the Fountain area, where footfall is higher.

Swindon Advertiser: Dave CoxDave Cox (Image: Dave Cox)

“It is great to see our market is now growing each week, with new stalls offering local residents a range of goods from a selection of small local independent businesses.”

The market was funded by a grant of £100,000 from the government’s Town Found.

It had first opened just before the Easter bank holiday weekend at Wharf Green, an area of town best known for its McDonald’s.

Speaking to our reporter at the time, Robin from Bobby Bird, a handmade polymer clay jewellery stall, said: "I've had a really lovely time, it's been amazing, actually. People have been really positive and really lovely to talk to."

SJ Flowers and Landscaping's Joanne echoed this sentiment, saying: "People have been so welcoming and it's been really busy, a lot of people have come to have a look."