Agenda item

A verbal update will be given on the Market Place development plans.

The Head of Economic Regeneration gavea verbal update on the market place development plans. Key points to notes were as follows:

• As detailed above, development options had come to EDTCE scrutiny in December 2024, but a formal decision had not yet been made.
• The public consultation was completed with 1667 responses.
• 60% of respondents were in support of the proposal for the market being located in front of the food hall along with a flexible space for events and activities.
• There had been a broad range of comments which would be taken into consideration, and these had been grouped into themes.  The most frequent comment – made by 347 people – was that the proposed option would be a “Great redevelopment of the market; It's a great idea to redevelop the market, utilising the space for a mix of market activities, events, and festivals. Leicester needs an attractive and thriving market to boost footfall to the city centre.”
• A range of other comments were predominantly positive and mentioned the history/heritage of the market, increasing greenery in the space, and several constructive suggestions were made about the need to tackle anti-social behaviour, parking, transport and other operational matters.
• An ongoing dialogue would continue with market traders throughout the process. It was recognised that there was a range of different trader preferences and requirements, some for example were receptive to operating from alternative premises in the city centre. There were currently 23 vacant city centre properties and details of these were being shared with traders.
• The City Mayor had met with  trader representatives prior to the press release on the 13^th February, and had offered a further meeting if traders would like, and they had been encouraged to bring ideas and suggestions.
• The traders were keen to return to their original location but had advised that they may not require the same amount of space as previously held. They had highlighted the potential for the remaining space being used flexibly.

·       Designs, planning applications and costing were being developed further before a decision could be made.

The Chair reminded the committee that a special EDTCE Scrutiny meeting had taken place to discuss the future of the market, and 3 key issues had been raised:

• Provision for dry goods traders.
• The design of the building.
• The location of the market.

The Chair requested that these matters would be taken into consideration.

The Chair noted that if a petition were to be submitted this could be considered by the Committee.

In response to questions, it was noted that:

·       Previous scrutiny comments had been brought to the attention of the City Mayor and many valid points would be considered going forward to inform the development.

·       Aesthetics had been of consideration when developing plans, whilst balancing the trader requirements.

·       Regarding timescale, a planning application would be made for the open square, and this was expected in the next few months. The market building would take more time to design so a planning application was anticipated for July 2025. If the scheme proceeded at that point, work could commence later in the summer, with completion anticipated by late 2026. The final programme would be confirmed in due course.

·       The market would continue to operate from Green Dragon Square throughout  this time with continued rental discounts for market traders.

·       More than 1000 people had commented during the public consultation.

·       Money for the scheme had already been ringfenced, but detailed costings were being developed further.

·       Revenue cost to operate the redeveloped market would be calculated, and an update would come once the best way to operate the market had been established.

·       A copy of the consultation could be provided.

·       Four unit traders had expressed a desire to retire. 6 unit traders had expressed an interest in operating from other premises in the city centre, and there was an ongoing dialogue to support traders.

·       Management of anti-social behaviour could be incorporated into the scheme design by including shutters allowing the market to be closed off out of hours. This issue was currently being addressed with success at Green Dragon Square.

·       Current revenue income targets for the market are around £200K but this was increasingly difficult to achieve.

AGREED:

1)    That the commission note the update.

2)    A copy of the consultation would be provided

3)    The next update would include details on the revenue costs to operate the market.

A break was taken during this item so that those observing Ramadan could break fast.