- Verbal report and presentation
5:15pm to 5:45pm
Minutes:
The Deputy Leader, the Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy and the Town Centre Operations Manager attended to provide an update on the proposals for the open market re-configuration.
The Town Centre Operations Manager advised Members that the IBI Group had been appointed to carry out a feasibility study of the outdoor market in 2015. The study looked at the existing operation and presented a number of options for the development and reconfiguration of the market layout. The level of stall occupancy had fallen significantly apart from the Thursday Flea Market which continued to attract traders. Some traders had moved into the Market Hall which was now 100% occupied.
As part of the study, a number of issues were identified that needed to be addressed. These related to the layout of the market, competition, flexibility, range of offer and daytime management. A number of designs were proposed which addressed all the issues and a list of pros and cons was provided with each option. The main focus for the reconfiguration was to make a visual improvement to the market.
Members had concerns that some of the designs may not align with the image of Chesterfield as a “historic market town”. The Town Centre Operations Manager replied that it was important that the market stayed at the heart of the town and the options that had been proposed could be adapted. Overall it was felt that reducing stalls would help the market look fuller but the higher number of stalls required for the Flea Market needed to be considered. In addition, the occupancy on New Square was very low and options for that space would be explored.
Members noted that visitors still came to Chesterfield for the market, however there were issues that needed addressing including the mix of stalls, poor lighting and early closing times. The Cabinet Member noted that the market needed to provide versatility so it could accommodate different types of offer. Some of the options included removable stalls which would provide more flexibility for traders.
Members had concerns with accessibility to the market, in particular the provision of parking for people with disabilities and the uneven surface around the stalls. Members suggested exploring options for dropping people off in the market.
The events in the town centre were discussed and Members felt that holding the Christmas lights switch-on on Friday or Saturday would give the option to have more entertainment at night and would encourage people to stay in the town centre longer. The Town Centre Operations Manager replied that the event was held on a Sunday as they needed the time and space to set the event up. However, if there was a more flexible arrangement on New Square other options could be explored.
The Cabinet Member noted that through discussions at the Markets Consultative Committee, traders were also keen to see improvements to the market.
Members thanked the Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy, Deputy Leader and Town Centre Operations Manager for attending and providing the update.
RESOLVED –
1. That the update be noted.
2. That an update be brought to the Overview and Performance Scrutiny Forum at a date to be confirmed.