Members of Coventry's Economic Regeneration Policy Team are set to examine the options for the relocation of the Wholesale Market from its present Barras Heath site when they meet on Thursday 25 February.

A provisional closure date of September 2000 has been set although traders hope to have an alternative wholesale market planned before then either on the site or elsewhere. More than 18 months away, the date has been chosen carefully to allow traders time to relocate their businesses elsewhere in the city and vacate the site between their busy trading periods of summer and Christmas.

Councillor Nick Nolan, Chair of Economic Regeneration Policy Team, said:

"It will obviously be a wrench to move the wholesale market from its present location as over the years it has done an excellent job in providing fresh produce to Coventry traders and people of this city. What's most important over the next 18 months is that we work closely with the traders to do everything we can to help them find alternative accommodation."

Built in 1954 the wholesale market is currently home to 19 businesses employing 170 people. Wholesaling has been in decline for many years and it is estimated that investment to the tune of £3 million would be needed to provide a new, modern market on the site. But an application for European Regional Development Fund support during 1998 was unsuccessful.

Traders who have been part of the discussions on the future of the site are looking at three proposals, including the redevelopment of a new smaller wholesale market, all of which will be investigated over the next 18 months.