Local Heroes announced as New Operator Set to Transform South Shields Market Offer
South Shields Market is set for a boost, with a new operator coming on board to support and grow the Saturday market.
South Tyneside Council has appointed Local Heroes to run the weekly Saturday offer, bringing a renewed focus on quality traders, a vibrant atmosphere and an enhanced visitor experience.
Caption: Local Heroes are set to bring their market experience to South Shields Market this summer. Pictures from a previous Hebburn event.
The move builds on successful market models delivered elsewhere and forms part of wider plans to strengthen South Shields town centre, increase footfall and support local businesses.
Research shows that well-managed markets can play an important role in increasing footfall, supporting local businesses and improving the overall town centre offer. The introduction of a specialist operator will bring additional expertise in trader support, marketing and customer experience to help unlock that potential.
Under the new arrangement, residents and visitors can expect a refreshed line-up of stalls, showcasing local producers, independent traders and a more diverse retail and food offer.
Importantly, the new approach will build on the strong foundations already in place. Existing traders will remain at the heart of the market, with opportunities to help shape the offer as it develops, alongside the introduction of new traders and experiences 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 operate as a pilot from 4 July 2026 to the end of the year, providing an opportunity to test a different approach to market management and explore how this can further strengthen the offer.
The pilot will focus on improving the overall operation of the market, increasing footfall, making better use of available pitches and enhancing support and communication with traders, while ensuring the service remains fair, transparent and sustainable.
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."
Local Heroes, who have delivered successful markets elsewhere in the region, will bring their experience of creating vibrant, community-focused events to South Shields.
The introduction of the new model will be closely monitored throughout the pilot period, with a focus on increasing visitor numbers, improving trader satisfaction and enhancing the overall appeal of the market.
Further details on the refreshed Saturday market offer, including trader line-ups and launch arrangements, will be shared in due course.
Traders interested in attending South Shields Market can find out more via our Traders page.