ONE of Worcester's historic markets has welcomed its new managers.

GJS Dillon’s Asset Management have been made responsible for the 25 retail units and 44 affordable housing flats at the Hopmarket.

The team will work in partnership with the Hopmarket Charity -registered landlords on behalf of Worcester City Council- and Platform Housing Group - who manage the flats.

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GJS Dillon’s new responsibilities as part of its portfolio will include liaising with clients and managing repairs and maintenance.

They will also oversee the community, health and safety of the Hopmarket building. 

Emily Bullock, GJS Dillon’s Associate director of asset management, said: "We are delighted to be taking on this new instruction.

"It is a beautiful building with an interesting mix of tenants, and we are looking forward to working with them to build a positive community."

The Hopmarket - named after Worcester’s Hop Fair - is a grade II listed building constructed in 1900.

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It gets its name from the surplus hops that were sold in the 1890s to dealers from across the country.

Since then, it was a hotel and warehouse building until it was converted into the retail units and flats that exist today.

The Hopmarket Charity has existed for many years and was charged by a Parliamentary Act of 1730 with maintaining the Hopmarket and supporting ‘needy persons’.

The current Trustees, of whom two-thirds must be members of Worcester City Council, work together to lease the retail units to a wide variety of entrepreneurial traders and to encourage more footfall within the market.

Any surplus funds from the lettings are converted into grants for local charitable causes supporting those in need.

Bill Simpson, chairman of the Hopmarket Charity, added: "We are very pleased with the work undertaken by Emily and her team so far.

"They will play a vital role in ensuring that the Hopmarket continues to be a vibrant community in the heart of the city."