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.