James Gray: At the time of the building of Brunswick Terrace, as no shops were allowed there, this market building was erected between Upper and Lower Market Streets. Opened on 28 August 1828, it was a market for all forms of provisions. As shops later grew up in the neighbouring district the need for the market declined, and it ceased to be used as such by 1839. For many years it was used as a riding school and in recent times, as a wholesale grocers warehouse. This view shows the east side of the building. On 11 October 1970 when these photographs were taken, the building was in a semi-derelict condition and its continued existence was doubtful. jgc_11_020
James Gray: During the 1970s the old building acquired a new lease of life, albeit only temporary. A group of people got together to found an Arts Centre, the property was done up and put to various uses of an artistic nature. The photographs taken on 22 February 1985 show how much the exterior had been improved, particularly the one looking in from Upper Market Street. It was not to last however, support dwindled and, as can be seen by the Agents’ boards, it became empty again. This historic building should not be allowed to succumb to dereliction. Surely some good use could be found for it, even if it means internal conversion for residential occupancy such as flats. Additional Information: 2007: Now an Arts Centre jgc_11_023
2018: Since the 1985 picture was taken, the aid that James Gray hoped for has arrived and the building has been saved, restored and brought back into full time use as a successful venue for theatre, music gigs, comedy and festival events. Some windows in The Old Market (TOM) facade have been blocked as part of internal work in 2010 to create concert level acoustics but otherwise the facade is unchanged. (Photographer: Annie Drynan)
James Gray: View from Western Road. jgc_11_024
2018: This view directly south down Upper Market Street shows how Brunswick Market, now The Old Market, or TOM, arts venue, occupies the full width of the bottom of the road. Following a major refurbishment in 2010/2011 The Old Market’s facade is now the familiar Brunswick cream, some central windows have been blocked up and the pediment now reads ‘The Old Market Built 1825 Restored 1998’. The surrounding houses are little changed but parked cars have become even more of a problem. (Photographer: Annie Drynan)