The popular market achieved the accolade in the Great British Market Awards 2024 which celebrate retail and wholesale markets across the UK.
Judges praised Bilston as one of the markets exhibiting “exceptional dedication and innovation in serving their local communities”.
Bilston Indoor Market has a long and proud history, with the market hall celebrating its 50th birthday last March. It currently has 88 stalls with 42 traders and clocked up 1.7 million visits in 2023, an increase of 20% on 2022.
The outdoor market, which is due to celebrate its 200th birthday this year, hosts 117 stalls and the whole site hosts regular craft markets as well as young traders events.
Major plans are currently underway at the market, with a planning application submitted for the redevelopment of the outdoor market. The final design has been shaped following consultation with traders and the public.
The redevelopment, supported by £5.2 million from the Town’s Fund, includes the enhancement of the entrance off the Black Country Route alongside reorganisation and refurbishment of the indoor and outdoor markets,
There will also be the introduction of new retail units and public toilets, the provision of a flexible space where events can be hosted and a taller canopy to cover the stalls in the outdoor market.
The new look market will be connected to extensive public space improvements and Bilston’s public transport hub. The market redevelopment is also part of the transformative Bilston Health and Regeneration Programme (HaRP).
Councillor Craig Collingswood, City of Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: "This is a marvellous accolade for Bilston Indoor Market and a real credit to the traders, the staff and the customers who all contribute to make this such a thriving and friendly place to shop.
“At a time when a number of indoor markets are closing, I am really happy to say that Bilston is still going strong and we have full occupancy on stalls in the indoor market as well as outdoor.
"We’re all looking forward to the fantastic redevelopments to come at the outdoor market which will offer an even better shopping experience.
“Bilston attracts people from miles around and I would urge anyone who hasn't been to visit our Highly Commended market to come down and see for yourself what all the fuss is about."
Bilston indoor and outdoor markets include more than 200 stalls, offering a huge range of goods and services including fresh foods, fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, a large range of fashion, jewellery and shoes and household items.
There is also a café so shoppers can take a break and relax, as well as free car parking close by. Opening times are Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 8.30am to 4pm.
For more information about Bilston Market and how to become a trader visit Markets or call 01902 555200.
