Herefords new livestock market takes shape

Herefords new livestock market is taking shape with the metal framework of the 7 million building now in place.

Contractors Willmott Dixon Construction moved onto the 48-acre site earlier this year and Leominster company Frank H Dale has just completed the construction of the steel shell.

Pontrilas-based firm Collins Design and Build are now on site to construct the roof these two contracts together, awarded to local companies, are worth around 1 million.

When complete, the new livestock market will hold 8,000 sheep and 500 cattle the new facility will be open for business in spring next year.

It will have more than 300 car or car/trailer parking spaces plus an additional 44 for articulated or trailer lorries along with nine lorry wash stations.

The buildings will also house offices, a caf, welfare areas and toilets plus landscaped areas using native trees, a wildflower meadow and conservation area.

After these years of consultation and planning, its encouraging to see the new livestock market rise from the ground, said Cllr Roger Phillips, Leader of Herefordshire Council.

This will provide our farmers with 21^st-century facilities to replace the cramped and outdated market in the centre of Hereford. Herefordshire should be rightly proud of its livestock sector and Im looking forward to the day the first cattle and sheep come under the hammer in the new market, he added.