The Government on Wednesday signalled the construction of a new $388.1 million Buxton Market, with Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand saying the project will provide vendors and residents with a modern facility after decades of deterioration.

Manickchand turned the sod for the two-storey market, which is expected to be completed within eight months and will replace the existing structure that she said had not been properly operational for more than 30 years.

She said the decision to host the sod-turning ceremony inside the current market was deliberate, as it allowed officials and residents to see the conditions vendors currently operate under.