Agenda item

Presentation and discussion item on the current provision for markets in the district and the potential for a Sunday market in Bourne.

The Corporate Operations Lead gave a presentation outlining the current provision for markets in South Kesteven and the potential options for extending them. He wished to acknowledge the contribution of the Head of Town Centres who had been responsible for markets over the last eighteen months. The presentation highlighted the benefits and challenges that markets presented, both to traders and the hosting authority. Reference was made to adverse weather conditions that had affected the success of the markets, as well as a change in customer expectations.

Stamford was reported as a particularly successful market which was meeting its own costs and had a waiting list of stall holders wanting to trade. Grantham and Bourne markets were less stable, with diminishing numbers in recent years. Markets tended to be most successful when they coincided with other community events. The international food market in Grantham had been successful and did not incur a cost to the Council as it was wholly managed by the organisers.

Background information was given regarding the Deepings market and the decision that had been made to close it for the winter period. A market with local organisers was ran independently on a Wednesday. As a Council managed market had been requested, this had been facilitated by way of an 18 month Saturday road closure which was valid until the end of September 2020. Although the Deepings market had seen some successful moments initially, numbers had dwindled after the discounted fee period had ended; this had been exacerbated by ongoing bad weather conditions. The decision to suspend the market had been made to allow time to consider its feasibility moving forward.

The Committee were given information regarding the potential options for a Sunday market in Bourne. It was explained that a road closure to allow for the market to be held in the town centre would create challenges and require significant costs. Stalls would also need to be transported from Stamford; this would incur additional staffing costs. A market in the Corn Exchange car park would be less of a financial risk, as no road closures would be needed and pop-up stalls could be used. However, either option for a Sunday market in Bourne would need to be supported by trader interest and customer demand for it to be a viable provision.

Members were asked if they had any comments or questions arising from the presentation in relation to a potential Sunday market in Bourne:

• One Member commented that when the idea for a Sunday market in Bourne was first put forward, it had been with a specialist type in mind to encourage new traders to join the market. He felt that it would be beneficial to trial the idea in the Corn Exchange car park once a month over the warmer months to establish its viability as a permanent option.
• Other members of the Committee welcomed the idea of a Sunday market in Bourne and felt that trialling the idea to coincide with other events over the summer months would help to publicise the launch. Potential ideas for the market theme included specialist foods, crafts or antiques. 

Action Points

Ø  Bourne ward Councillors to meet with the Corporate Operations Lead with a view to putting ideas together for a trial run of a Bourne Sunday market, to coincide with other events in the town.

Ø  The market to be held in a location that does not require road closures or traffic management.

Ø  The outcome of the meeting between Bourne ward Councillors and the Corporate Operations Lead to be reported to the next meeting of the Culture and Visitor Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  

Members were asked if they had any comments or questions arising from the presentation in relation to the Deepings market:

• A member of the Committee wished to express how keen they were for the Deepings market to be reintroduced in the spring. It was felt that the removal of the cash machine from the vicinity had impacted the level of customer spending at the market, particularly as most of the traders accepted cash-only payments. Reference was made to an idea the Member had put forward previously to offer empty stalls to local crafters; it was thought that this initiative could .
• The Chief Executive of InvestSK referred to some work that had begun previously with regards to establishing which factors drove the success of Stamford market and if lessons could be learned to improve the performance of markets in other areas of the district. If was suggested that continuing this work could support the Council in improving the performance of markets.
• Members discussed the potential regularity of the market, if re-introduced. Although there was a keenness from local Members to hold the market weekly to attract regular traders, the Committee also considered holding a monthly market as a starting point.

The Corporate Operations Lead responded to Member’s comments by suggesting that the Deepings market be re-introduced in the spring on a trial basis as a monthly farmers market with craft stalls to supplement this. He suggested that community leaders be approached to ask for support in leading the market alongside the Council.

Action Point

Ø  The Deepings ward Councillors to meet with the Corporate Operations Lead to discuss the options for re-introducing the Deepings market, with a view to trialling the market as a monthly event during spring/summer 2020.

Ø  The outcome of the meeting between Deepings ward Councillors and the Corporate Operations Lead to be reported to the next meeting of the Culture and Visitor Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee.