Street food traders at Manchester Piccadilly Market have expressed sadness at losing their home as the site prepares to close on 22 October for the redevelopment of Piccadilly Gardens.

The closure is part of Manchester City Council's multi-million-pound revamp of the area. The council said all traders would be offered alternative locations.

Traders' concerns over relocation

Leya Linsdell, 32, deputy operations manager at family-run Afro-Caribbean food stall Rita's Reign, said she was "incredibly disappointed" after seven years at the site. The business employs more than 25 staff.

"We're a family-run business. It's just my mum, dad, sister and me," Linsdell said. "It's hard not being able to tell our staff what's going to happen with their jobs, and it's hard for us to make long-term decisions."

Her sister Olivia Linsdell, 30, said the change would impact the business. "There will be losses," she said. While she agreed the area could benefit from the scheme, she expressed concern the revamp could "take away Manchester's independent businesses".

Other traders at the market include Chen's Happy House, BangGaBangGa, a Korean food vendor, and Loaded Gyros. A worker at BangGaBangGa feared regular customers would go elsewhere.

Customer reaction

Regular visitor Steph Bellfield said she was disappointed to lose "a staple of mine and my colleagues' lunchtime routine". Theophilus, who works nearby, said the market had become a "social hub" for him and his colleagues.

Not all feedback was negative. Mohammad Khan said the move could help some businesses grow. "Everyone's got to move on at some point. It might make them bigger and give them more customers," he said.

Piccadilly Gardens revamp

The refurbishment of Piccadilly Gardens will include new lawns, more trees, a larger playground, extra CCTV and improved lighting.

A Manchester City Council spokesperson said: "We have always believed in the important role that markets can play in our city to support businesses to grow, build a loyal customer base and thrive. We have been in conversation with the traders for many months around the closure of the market. So, while the street food market will close at the end of October, no trader will be left without somewhere to go."