Palmerston North's Albert St market is likely to move to the central city in February.

The city council will vote on Monday on a raft of changes to support the market moving to Broadway for a trial period.

On Friday, it voted to trial free parking until 11am on Saturdays in the central business district to help the market.

Mayor Grant Smith said market licence holder Brian Little was likely to need a new home for the market as the current site was up for sale, with tenders closing on December 10.

The outcome was not known, but customer service general manager Peter Eathorne said in a report to council that it was likely the new owners would clear the site to make way for a major redevelopment.

Smith said having the market closer to the centre of the city provided an opportunity to breathe new life into the area, with some 3500 people typically visiting the market every weekend.

He said most of the retailers on Broadway were in support, although a handful were a bit apprehensive about how it would work.

Holding the market in Broadway, taking up about 3000 square metres between The Square and the Regent Theatre, would involve blocking off part of the street to traffic.

Some parking would remain in Broadway, with further parks available in King St, Queen St and Main St within easy walking distance.

Smith said if the trial ran into any difficulties, the council had options of alternative sites in King St, The Square, or the Convention Centre car park on Church St.

He said the prospect of both ensuring the market's future and bringing more activity closer to the city centre was an exciting opportunity to attract more pedestrians and shoppers.

He hoped many market visitors would stay in town to visit other shops and cafes.

Smith said up to 80 per cent of stallholders had been consulted about the move and were supportive, so long as there was free parking provided.

If the council approves the proposal, the likely start date for the central city market would be February 20.