LATE-NIGHT opening at Oxford’s Covered Market could be made permanent if a trial is successful.

The city council, and traders at the historic attraction, have agreed to test the new schedule in the run-up to Christmas and if it proves successful it could be rolled out permanently.

From Saturday until Christmas Eve opening hours will be extended.

Currently the market, which dates back to the 18th century, opens Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5.30pm and on Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Under the new regime, the hours on Monday and Tuesday will remain the same but from Wednesday to Friday the market will open from 8am to 7pm, then from 8am until 6pm on Saturday, and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday.

Paul Birtles, chairman of the Covered Market Tenants’ Association and owner of The Garden of Oxford, said: “Consumer spending habits are evolving rapidly and it’s imperative that, as small independent traders, we have the ability to adjust. The CMTA is hopeful that this trial initiative will result in increased business for our members during the festive period.”

Eight new shops, including pop-ups, have recently opened and 58 of the 61 units will be open in the run-up to Christmas.

The trialling of later opening hours is one of the most significant changes since traders agreed to open on Sunday on a permanent basis.

Sunday trading was trialled in 2009 and launched the following year, even though not all the traders backed it.

One trader supporting the latest trial is Joy Hetherington, who runs Oxford Aromatics, which has been selling scented candles and soaps for the past 10 years.

She said: “I think it’s a good idea to have later open hours and the run-up to Christmas is a good time to trial it.

“The council has been taking steps to get behind the market - traders will decide in the new year if they want it as a permanent arrangement.”

The city council is investing £3.1m in the market, which is Grade II-listed and dates back to 1774. The investment includes £1.8m to fix the roof while some empty units are being split to attract new traders.

One of the most recent arrivals is The Oxford Soap Company.

Mary Clarkson, executive board member for the city centre, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to respond to the shopping habits of Oxford residents.”