Agenda item

The Deputy Leader of the Council presented the report.

The report provided an update on the markets action plan, which was agreed in February 2025.

The action plan was developed to facilitate the delivery of recommendations from the High Street Experts review of Bourne, Grantham and Stamford markets.

The updated action plan was within the report at appendix 1 and had been updated to include progress against the agreed actions and deadlines.

The report outlined four outstanding actions and these were due to be completed once the new Economic Development Manager was in post by the end of the year.

Overall, good progress had been made on the agreed actions and the action plan would be completed before the end of the financial year, as agreed.

It was highlighted that Bourne market was the weakest of the markets, it was queried what the action plan would bring to increase the popularity of Bourne market.

The Head of Waste and Markets clarified Bourne Town Hall was due to undergo major renovation.

Based on consultations with the current stall holders of Bourne market, the plan was to leave the market within the Corn Exchange car park which would limit any improvement works taking place during  the major renovations.

The action plan included a full rebranding exercise for Bourne market. A full marketing package had been created for improvements, following the renovations. The works were hoped to be commenced in October/November 2025.

One Member felt that in terms of marketing and rebranding, Bourne market should be a priority. Concern was raised that if serious attention was not given to Bourne market, it would be abolished in the coming months. It was felt that Boure market was only given a small amount of UKSPF funding.

ACTION: For the Head of Waste and Markets to forward the bespoke communications marketing plan and events calendar to the Committee.

It was noted the market had a small proportion of the car park and the current traders were adamant they wanted to remain where they were, due to regular customers. It was not possible to advertise for any more traders at present, due to the restriction of space. 

Members queried the following, in relation to Bourne market:

·       Whether any feedback or discussions had taken place with market traders on preferred days of the market taking place.

·       Other barriers identified as a risk to the progress of the market and how it would be addressed.

·       Whether the traders would be charged full price for their pitches when the building work commences.

It was clarified an alternative location had been offered to the traders, however, they were satisfied to stay within the car park, during the works.

The Head of Waste and Markets confirmed current feedback from traders was positive in terms of location and number of customers. The Council would continue to work with the traders throughout the building work.

It was felt that Bourne market taking place on a Thursday could be a barrier to the success. The High Street Experts had advised changing the day/time of the market, holding a themed or event-led markets may increase footfall and interest.

A query was raised whether a discount scheme for traders at Bourne could be implemented within the budget, due to being weaker in comparison to other markets.

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure confirmed the team had tried incentive schemes in order to bring the traders in. It was suggested that Bourne market needed champions for the market.

One Member highlighted a Farmers Market that operated successfully once a month on a Sunday in the leisure centre car park.

It was noted that traders wanted to trade where the highest footfall was. Councillors could champion and advertise the market to drive footfall.

A query was raised whether the Council considered reaching out and working in collaboration with the Sunday Bourne market.

It was noted that Bourne Councillors had requested to open the Corn Exchange and library on a Thursday to increase footfall on market day, however, the library was the responsibility of Lincolnshire County Council.

Within the report, phase 3 stated that £60,000 Future High Street Funding would be spent on a stage and bistro chairs. One Member felt that was high amount of money and requested further information on the usage plans of the equipment.

A question was put forward to the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure if there would be a sizeable events budget for all market towns within the next financial year.

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure hoped that events could be developed over the financial year. Some events may need to be self funded which would be reviewed alongside discussion on the usage plans for the stage, which could be used by all towns within South Kesteven.

It was queried whether the estimated £10,000 on improving accessibility would apply to all 3 markets.

The Head of Waste and Markets highlighted the monies to improve accessibility would apply to all markets, following a consultant-led review by the High Street Experts. Stamford market was highlighted in particular for poor accessibility. This accessibility consultation had taken place in summer of 2024, however, the new audit would fall under the responsibility of the Economic Development Manage once they were in post.

A suggestion of a projector screen was made to increase the footfall, where major sporting events could be shown.

Another Member noted that the Council can hire a screen for a smaller price, rather than buying a screen.

The Assistant Director of Culture, Leisure and Place clarified the feasibility and options on the idea would be explored.

The Committee were reminded that events taking place in Grantham marketplace were currently funded by Future High Street Fund, which was due to end in March 2026. There was currently no provision within the budget for continuation of events.

The Committee to:

1. Review the Action Plan and note the progress to date and amended deadlines for actions.