Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy presenting options for the future operation of the City’s Markets Service and seeking to authorise the Corporate Director to commence a procurement exercise to secure an external operator to manage and operate appropriate elements of the existing service.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  The Indoor Market will continue to operate from the Eastgate Shopping Centre, Gloucester

(2)  Proposals for investment in the refurbishment of the Indoor Market are developed for inclusion in the Council’s Capital Programme

(3)  The Corporate Director is given delegated authority to undertake a  procurement exercise to secure a suitable contractor(s) to operate and manage appropriate elements of the City’s Markets Service and to enter into contractual arrangements as necessary in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy

(4)  Cherry and White Market Traders are offered alternative pitches/stalls in the City prior to the commencement of the public realm works in Kings Square and that consideration is given to the future Markets offer on the redeveloped Kings Square site.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy that presented options for the future operation of the City’s Markets Service and sought authorisation for the Corporate Director to commence a procurement exercise to secure an external operator to manage and operate appropriate elements of the existing service.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy summarised the report.  He emphasised the intention to improve the trading environment for traders and offer for customers.  He commented that the examples of markets in other cities given in the report demonstrated that people would be attracted in if these factors were right.  He clarified a recommendation of the Commercial Review undertaken by Marketing Gloucester Ltd (3.16.3) by stating that the Farmers Market would be tendered for separately. 

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources welcomed the recognition of Gloucester’s rich history as a market city and the significance of working with partners rather than in isolation.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  The Indoor Market will continue to operate from the Eastgate Shopping Centre, Gloucester

(2)  Proposals for investment in the refurbishment of the Indoor Market are developed for inclusion in the Council’s Capital Programme

(3)  The Corporate Director is given delegated authority to undertake a  procurement exercise to secure a suitable contractor(s) to operate and manage appropriate elements of the City’s Markets Service and to enter into contractual arrangements as necessary in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy

(4)  Cherry and White Market Traders are offered alternative pitches/stalls in the City prior to the commencement of the public realm works in Kings Square and that consideration is given to the future Markets offer on the redeveloped Kings Square site.