The Monitoring Officer submitted a report
informing the Commission that an executive decision taken by the City Mayor on
13 August 2026 relating to Leicester Market had been the subject of a 5-member
call-in under the procedures at Rule 12 of Part 4D, City Mayor and Executive
Procedure Rules, of the Council’s Constitution.
The Chair clearly outlined the process that
she would follow in determining how to resolve the call-in. The Commission was
recommended to either:
a) Note the report without further comment or
recommendation. (If the report was noted the process continues and the call-in
will be considered at Council on Full Council or
b) Comment on the specific issues raised by
the call-in. (If comments were made the process continues and the comments and
call-in would be considered at Full Council); or
c) Resolve that the call-in be withdrawn (If
the committee wished for there to be no further action on the call-in, then
they must actively withdraw it. If withdrawal was agreed the call-in process
stops, the call-in would not be considered at Full Council and the original
decision takes immediate effect without amendment).
The proposer of the call-in, Councillor
Kitterick, was not present. Councillor Porter, as one of the signatories to the
call-in, presented the case.
The following points were raised:
- Support was expressed for Leicester Market and
its long-term success, recognising its importance as one of the oldest
markets in the country.
- Concerns were raised regarding a lack of
clarity about the final vision for the market and whether the
redevelopment would ultimately deliver the intended outcomes.
- It was acknowledged that archaeological
discoveries had delayed the project and that Leicester's heritage should
be preserved. However, questions were raised regarding the impact of those
delays on project costs and the potential for further budget increases.
- Clarification was sought regarding the
original project budget, the amount allocated for archaeology, the extent
of borrowing required, the financial impact of delays and the measures in
place to control future cost increases.
- Assurances were requested that taxpayers would
receive value for money and that the additional expenditure would deliver
tangible benefits to the overall scheme.
- Concerns raised by market traders were
reported, including views that the original intention had been to improve
existing market facilities rather than create a larger, more flexible open
space.
- It was suggested that the archaeological
expenditure should be subject to further scrutiny and that a detailed
breakdown of costs be provided.
- Questions were raised as to whether the scale
of the archaeological discoveries could reasonably have been anticipated
given previous city centre redevelopment projects.
- Concerns were expressed regarding the overall
cost of the scheme, its long-term financial implications and the adequacy
of consultation undertaken with traders and stakeholders.
The Chair reminded Members that the call-in
related specifically to the additional £1.9 million funding required for
archaeological works and that wider matters concerning the future operation and
design of the market would be considered through a separate report at a future
meeting.
The Chair invited the City Mayor and the
Strategic Director for City Development and Neighbourhood Services and Director
of Tourism, Culture and Economy to respond.
The City Mayor and officers made the
following points:
- Members had previously received detailed
briefings regarding the archaeological discoveries and their impact on the
redevelopment programme.
- Leicester Market had occupied the site for
centuries and historically operated as a largely open market space,
allowing flexibility for a range of uses and events.
- The existing covered structure had created an
underused area outside market trading hours which had attracted
anti-social behaviour. Significant support had been received from
stakeholders and city centre groups for restoring the market to a more
open and flexible layout.
- Initial archaeological investigations and
professional advice indicated that only limited archaeological
intervention would be required. However, extensive and significant
archaeology had subsequently been uncovered resulting in a larger and more
costly works than originally anticipated.
- The discoveries were of considerable
historical significance and would contribute to a greater understanding of
Leicester's heritage.
- The main archaeological excavation works had
now been completed, and construction activity had resumed. Whilst no
guarantees could be provided, the project remained on track for completion
by December 2026.
- Temporary support measures including a
rent-free period for traders, had been introduced during the redevelopment
works.
- Feedback from traders had indicated a
preference for returning trading activity to the market as quickly as
possible and introducing additional permanent structures at this stage
could result in further delays. The proposed layout would retain
flexibility should decisions regarding permanent structures be considered
in the future.
- Historical records, surveys and independent
investigations undertaken before construction had not identified evidence
of the extensive remains that were later discovered.
- The completed scheme was intended to deliver a
food-led market, while maintaining a diverse range of traders and
providing a flexible space capable of supporting a variety of activities
and events.
- Expected benefits included increased trader
occupancy and retention, greater visitor footfall and an enhanced offer
and improved long-term financial sustainability.
- Officers advised that the principal
archaeological risks had now been addressed and that the additional
funding was considered sufficient to complete the remaining works,
although no major project could be entirely risk-free.
- Officers agreed to consider how further
financial information relating to the archaeological expenditure could be
provided to Members.
During discussion, Members sought
clarification on a few points:
- Regarding the future mix of traders, support
available to traders following redevelopment, the long-term economic
sustainability of the market, the operation of demountable stalls and the
distinction between temporary and permanent elements of the scheme.
- Concerns were also raised regarding
anti-social behaviour, future project costs and the need for greater
transparency regarding archaeological expenditure.
In response, the City Mayor:
- Confirmed that the market would be food-led
rather than food-only, that demountable stalls would provide flexibility
without necessarily being removed daily and that previous shipping
container proposals related to the 12-20 Cank Street Link project rather
than the market redevelopment.
- It was further stated that an open market
layout would improve visibility and assist enforcement agencies in
tackling anti-social behaviour.
- The City Mayor expressed willingness to
provide further information but advised that referring the decision back
for reconsideration would create further delays to the project and
negatively impact traders.
Councillor Porter moved that, following the
points raised during the meeting, the call-in be withdrawn. This was seconded
by Cllr Orton and upon being put to the vote the motion was CARRIED.
RESOLVED:
That
the call-in be withdrawn.
Councillor Orton left the meeting at 18.45pm.