The Director of Tourism, Culture and Economy gave a
verbal update on the Market Place. It was noted that:
- A public
consultation had been conducted with around 1700 respondents, and just
over 60 per cent supported locating the market in front of the Food Hall/
Corn Exchange, equating to more than 1000 people.
- The
consultation had provided input into the future use of the area, with
strong public support for creating a major new flexible event space in
front of the Corn Exchange.
- During the consultation process, a special Scrutiny meeting was
held in December 2024 to discuss the proposals. Comments had been fed in
to inform the scheme.
- The planning
application for the public realm scheme in front of the Corn Exchange had
been submitted on 2 June, and this included drainage, lighting and
infrastructure. This application was validated by planners on 27 June and was
currently in consultation.
- Archaeological
investigations were underway, as was standard for a capital scheme of this
nature, and findings were due shortly.
- Subject to planning permission being granted and a formal decision
to proceed, work could start on site this autumn, and the project was
still on track to complete by December 2026.
- The market would continue to operate on Green Dragon Square in the
meantime.
- Work by the
National Grid was being planned, which would install a new electrical
substation within the rear of the Corn Exchange building. This would
provide an electrical supply to serve the wider area. This required a
planning application to be submitted, and subject to planning approval
works could get underway.
- Enabling
works to facilitate this work by the National Grid were required, and
disruption for these works will be carefully managed.
In discussions with Members it was noted that:
- Clarification
was requested regarding whether contractors had been instructed to
undertake the works. It was reported that the original contractor for the
scheme was already procured. The contractor currently on site had
undertaken demolition and preliminary works, although no final decision
had yet been made on proceeding with the full scheme.
- Questions
were raised on the future of market stalls and traders. It was reported
that the market had been relocated to Green Dragon Square, with
approximately 20 stall holders and 16-unit traders continuing to operate
from that location. The majority of stallholders had been retained, while
a small number had chosen to leave or retire.
- It was
confirmed that Green Dragon Square would remain in use as the market site
until the end of 2026, at which point it would revert to its previous use
as an events space.
- The public
realm planning application had been submitted, with a decision currently
expected at the end of September 2025. This element would provide paving
and infrastructure to support the operation of the market The market
structure element required further ongoing development.
- Concerns were
raised about the importance of retaining the market’s traditional variety
of goods. The current proposal emphasised food and related products for
the permanent market, although following suggestions from commission
members there were plans to hold a programme of speciality markets to
allow for a varied offer including pop-up markets. Ongoing engagement with
unit traders that need support was continuing to identify options within
the wider city and ensure continuity of trading opportunities.
- Some members
considered that a market without sufficient variety would not fully meet
the needs of the public and suggested the commission may need to continue
to advocate for a more diverse offer throughout the year.
AGREED:
1)
The commission would be kept
updated on progress with the project.
2)
That comments made by members of
this Commission be taken into account.
3)
The commission noted the update.