THE Covered Market’s popular pink roof is staying, city council leaders have decided.

Last year the council, the market landlord, was considering a switch to a new colour - possibly blue or green.

But market traders have been told the salmon pink colour is here to stay and a fresh coat of paint will be applied to the timberwork next week.

The timber will be repainted the same salmon pink and gardenia, while the high-level metal trusses will change from gardenia to black.

READ AGAIN: Popular pink roof could change colour

The cleaning, preparing and painting will be carried out overnight and will take about six months to complete. The project will cost about £290,000.

Oxford Mail:

Mary Clarkson, cabinet member for culture and city centre, said: “I am delighted that work is set to start to repaint the ceiling of Oxford Covered Market.

“The distinctive salmon pink ceiling is iconic, and the repaint will bring new colour, new light and new life into the market.

READ AGAIN: New Tap Social pub will open in Covered Market

“Alongside our £3.1m investment to improve the Grade II-listed market, we are also working with Oxford Preservation Trust to restore three units, with Tap Social to bring a new bar and events.

Oxford Mail:

“2020 is going to be an incredibly exciting year for Oxford Covered Market.”

The council is currently investing £3.1m into market, which first opened in 1774, to secure its long-term future.

The investment includes £1.8m to secure the roof for another 60 to 80 years, and £1.3m for internal refurbishment.

Oxford Mail:

Social enterprise Tap Social, based at Botley, is to open a pub in the summer in the former Hedges butchers' unit.