BROAD Street Mall bosses will give residents a flavour of what is to come from their new food market when it opens permanently in November.

Union Square, at the back of the mall by where Poundland used to be, will be open from tomorrow (Thursday, June 25) hosting a pop-up street food hub.

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Grub from across the globe will be on offer, giving residents a sample of what to expect when the Square opens permanently towards the end of the year.

  • Stalls setting up from today include:
  • Meatballs from The Bowler
  • Smash burgers and loaded fries from Slap & Pickle
  • Lobbo’s seafood cuisine
  • Pizza from Let’s Go Pizza.

Reading already has a street food market based at Market Place.

Blue Collar Food Group manages vendors who offer a range of tasty dishes every Wednesday lunchtime.

For the time being, Union Square will be open six-days-a-week on a temporary basis creating 25 new jobs.

Union Square is owned by PopCity, and the company’s chiefs say they have “done their homework” on Reading after finding success with a similar food market scheme in Leeds.

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Nick Gregory and Richard Sweet said: “We’ve really done our homework on Reading and are confident that there is a pent-up demand for a more exciting re-interpretation of fast-food.

“We’re set to introduce some amazing independent operators and we will ensure that there’s a great variety of flavours on offer, with high-quality food and drink at a reasonable price.

“Union will offer a platform to local food independents that may not ordinarily be able to trade from such a high-profile location.”

The news comes as part of Broad Street Mall operators Moorgarth’s plans to regenerate the area.

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Gary Lewis, Managing director of Moorgarth, said: “We are delighted to announce the arrival of Union food market, which forms an integral part of our plans to improve Broad Street Mall as part of a wider masterplan which includes the addition of 400 new high-quality, centrally located homes recently granted planning permission alongside a new Premier Inn hotel.”

Opening hours for the market are expected to from 12pm to 10pm Tuesday to Saturday and from 12pm to 8pm on Sundays.

Union’s permanent site will feature 350 seats for customers, who will be able to enjoy seven street food vendors and a craft beer bar, as well as live music, film screenings and other events.