 The market was pressured with increased maintaince costs and changes to hygiene regulations, among other issues, and Belfast City Council decided to source other uses for the listed building.A campaign backed by the City Council, traders and the general public resulted in a Heritage Lottery Fund-backed £3.5 million refurbishment programme assisted by the Environment and Heritage Agency.Brick and stonework that had badly deteriorated was returned to good condition, and special bricks were produced in England to match the original unusually sized bricks.