Agenda item

The Market Update for the High Street Retail Market Review was presented by the Deputy Leader of the Council.

The Deputy Leader clarified that the review was the result of a culmination of independent research, and he highlighted the following three phases which should maximise the success of a market:

1)    Current trading footprint – this phase reviewed the current trader landscape, access points, retail mix, price range, external presentation and layout ideas, and barriers to trade.

2)    Identity – this phase reviewed market equipment and assets, branding, marketing, wayfinding/signage, local heritage, quality of traders and collaboration with high street retailers.

3)    Operations and opportunities – this phase reviewed market finances, visitor economy opportunities, training needs, Wi-Fi access, promotion, sustainability and the overall market offer.

During debate, one Member expressed frustration that there had been previous reviews brought before the Committee and they felt that more direct action was needed given that the earliest start date for any action suggested by the review was for January 2025. They suggested calling upon the insight of another Member who had personal experience of working at markets. However, the Member in question clarified that their experience had been solely at Grantham Market.

In light of one Member’s frustration about the review, it was noted that this had been funded by the government at no cost to SKDC. The review had also been orchestrated by an individual with experience of successfully running Bingham market.

It was confirmed that this would be the final review.

Whilst noting the fact that she was new to the organisation, the Head of Waste Management and Market Services confirmed a move away from the previous action plan which was more operational in nature. The review had been more strategically focused, identifying national trends and situating these in the context of the local markets. The Head of Waste Management and Market Services hoped that they could create a more robust action plan to grow the markets within SKDC.

One Member requested welfare facilities for traders at Stamford Market. The Head of Waste Management and Market Services confirmed that they would include this within the action plan.

Another Member commented that they would have liked the report to have given more of a financial insight into each market. The Member referenced a tool available to the Finance and Economic Overview and Scrutiny Committee, used for recording visitor patterns on market days, and queried whether this could be incorporated. The Member also referenced that prior to the meeting they had found an action plan for the market dating from 2012. The Member commented on the similarity between the areas of weakness identified then and those identified within the review being presented.

The Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer clarified that a further review had been suggested by the action plan because there had not been a budgetary allocation to address the issues identified.

A Member recognised the progress made with the support from the Head of Waste Management and Market Services, and the Markets Manager. With their support, the Member expressed that they felt this to be a more robust team for progressing Grantham market particularly. The Member also claimed that the Markets had not previously been prioritised enough by fellow Members and following the last significant road works in the area in 2011, 20 market stalls did not return.

The Deputy Leader of the Council suggested that the review needed to be followed by the budget. Despite this, the Deputy Leader indicated that Stamford Market was continuing to perform strongly with new stalls and traders.

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED that the review would be re-evaluated at the Culture and Leisure Overview and Scruting meeting of 8 January 2024.