A NEW Southend indoor market is already set to expand and take over more space in a shopping centre after its launch was hailed a major success.

The Big Up Southend market held its first event, with 21 stalls, fun for the all the family and live entertainment, at the Victoria Shopping Centre on Saturday.

Organisers are hoping to expand the monthly event with many more stalls in the future. Arts organisation Show Up Southend, rock climbing firm IndiRock, and the Design Cabin, are behind the market.

Emily Vermont, chief executive of IndiRock, said: “It was amazing and we had a really good turn out on the day.

Echo: southend market

“The place was really full with stalls, customers and entertainment. The open mic was really good too.

“The feedback’s been very positive from traders, customers and also the council too, which is good for our future events too.

“Traders were pleased too about how easy it was to join for them. It was a very nice, friendly atmosphere with stunning music performances.

“We had the children’s play and craft tables too. I feel elated at how it went.”

Southend Council purchased the shopping centre for £10 million in December 2021, and has been working on welcoming a variety of firms such as SpyMissions and IndiRock, as well as initiatives like the NHS blood testing centre.

Boom Battle Bar, with axethrowing and other games, is set to open at the centre in late summer.

Emily added: “With our partnership with Show Up Southend and the Design Cabin, we’ve got amazing connections and have great experience between us.

“I am now itching to do more and take out more space in the centre with more stalls near IndiRock and the Southend Victoria Station.

“I hope we can do that as we’ve has so much interest with 80 businesses sign up.”

Esquires Coffee is also set to open a kiosk in the middle of the shopping centre by the end of this month.

As part of the continued transformation of the Victoria Shopping Centre, the monthly market includes stalls selling jewellery, homeware, aroma therapy items and sweet treats and a range of other items.