Two business partners from Swindon are allegedly in talks to bring back the Wharf Green Tented Market in Swindon Town Centre.
Panther Securities, which owns the Tented Market, had initially intended to turn the abandoned area into a tower block with retail units but that has not yet happened.
But instead, the market itself could return, as the Advertiser recently reported its owners were in discussions with local businessman, Callum Forbes, to do just that.
A spokesperson for them said they could not give more details at this time.
But Mr Forbes told the Adver on May 10 that he could have the keys "in the next two weeks".
He and business partner Mathew Gillard say they want to reopen the market and are looking for traders to sell their goods from there.
Mr Forbes said: “Nothing is set in solid yet. We would be taking over the lease of the market. We are in negotiations at the minute."
But do the people of Swindon want to see the tented market, which has been closed for seven years reopen?
We collected some of the best responses to our article on social media, which you can find below.
Read More: Tented Market could reopen with business partners 'in talks'
Andrew Archer said: "Cabot Circus in Bristol took five years to complete start to finish job done.
"The amount of faffing about and non-engagement Swindon Borough Council take to plan anything let alone put any redevelopment in motion is frankly staggering.
"No wonder then Swindon town centre continues to hold the prestigious accolade of a no go area for retail and entertainment.
"Demolish the lot!
Carol Garrington said: "I thought it was destined to be a tall block of flats?
"It's such a shame that it has been left to get in that state when small businesses could have been using it."
Paul Adams said: "What a joke, what about the poor businesses who had to leave or even close because they couldn’t afford to move.
"There is never no thought to them trying to survive, where are they now?"
Rob Burry said: "Just remember, we need people to come back into the town centre so hopefully something good will happen instead of having more coffee shops and barbershops the town already dead."
Jessica Rosie Dipierro said: "Don’t plan to put the new market there! There’s no footfall."
Gina Baker Barrett said: "That would be a good thing for Swindon."
Andy Webb said: "I knew one of the traders in there they said the rent was too dear that’s why they give up. Greedy landlord is about right."
Alan Ford said: "Please flatten it and rebuild to the original Victorian (?) spec.
"Those fancy tented roofs were filthy within months of construction and soon became an eyesore."
Victor Timms said: " Does that mean that the luxury apartments tower and the ground floor restaurant project has been abandoned.
"If so, that is tragic for the businesses that were evicted 7 years ago to make way for this project."
Mirka Antolova said: "A small business market would be nice."
Linda Pryde said: "It is a much under valued asset."
Gary J Fisher said: "Why close it in the first place?"
Debbie Williams said: "If [they] follow the Bath and Cardiff model of what a successful indoor market looks like, it will be will attract local businesses, and bring local shoppers back to the town centre, so everyone will benefit."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel