By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice

A new development featuring a bakery, hot food, a farmer’s market and a supermarket is being proposed at the vacant Chatham Sales Yard just east of the community.

At its May 25 meeting, council paved the way for the expansion by approving a zoning change to allow for expanded uses at the 9.5-acre property.

Site of the former Wednesday Market, the Longwoods Road property east of Chatham has been purchased by J. Weaver Holdings Inc., the owner of the popular Kent Bridge Country Market.

The site’s main building, located toward the front of the property, is a 21,679.15 sq. ft. frame structure. It includes a mix of former use spaces including vendor space, seating area, kitchen, storage spaces, washrooms and seasonal vendor areas.

The Wednesday Market ceased operations in 2023 and the building has been empty since that time.