Agenda item

To receive the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture which presents to Members the results of the 12 weeks’ consultation on the five year Draft Gloucester Markets Strategy and which seeks adoption of the Gloucester City Markets Strategy and Action Plan.

The Chair welcomed Mr R Cook, Corporate Director, and Ms G Ragon, Head of Public Protection, to the meeting.

Members were presented with a report which set out the results of a 12 week consultation exercise on the 5 year Draft Markets Strategy.  The document sought approval for the adoption of the Gloucester City Markets Strategy and Action Plan and asked Cabinet to endorse the investigation of options for a new ground floor indoor market.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee was asked to note the report, subject to any recommendations Members wished to make to Cabinet.

Members discussed the following matters:-

1.         A Member queried whether the indoor market might be relocated close to the new bus station.  Ms Ragon replied that this was one of the options which would be explored.  The Member advised the Committee of her discussions with the manager of Preston Market, where the market was regarded as an anchor store and promoted as a key retail attraction, and queried whether the same approach was intended for Gloucester’s new indoor market.  Ms Ragon responded that when the indoor market was relocated it would be able to have more stalls and would be more attractive.  The Member replied that the indoor market’s current location was poorly signposted and requested that this be addressed in the Strategy.

2.         A Member referred to the future closure of the BHS store in Eastgate Street and suggested that this could be added to the list of possible locations for the new indoor market.

3.         A Member commented that the overpowering PA system used by the butcher in the King’s Square Cherry and White market was a deterrent to shoppers.  Another Member disagreed and said that the trader was popular and that customers enjoyed his performance. 

4.         A Member asked if it would be possible to have a dual site in the Eastgate Shopping Centre for the indoor market so that shoppers could walk between the two areas.  Ms Ragon replied that there were no vacant units available.

5.         A Member questioned if the City Council was still subsidising the City Centre Partnership specialist market.  Ms Ragon indicated that a small sum of money was being paid to support the market, but that this was being tapered with the intention that the market would become self-supporting at the end of a set period.

6.         Three Members commented that they were unaware of the existence of some of the specialist markets and suggested that they could be better advertised and could include the use of banners.  Ms Ragon said that a full marketing plan would be drawn up as part of the Strategy.

7.         A Member considered that the Night Market should be held more frequently.

8.         A Member noted that the Strategy would be out of date by the time King’s Quarter and Blackfriars had been developed.  Ms Ragon replied that the Strategy would be refreshed at the end of the 5 year period.

9.         A Member asked how this Strategy differed to previous strategies.  Ms Ragon said that she was not familiar with any previous strategies, but that this Strategy was unique because it would be driven by the Action Plan.

10.       A Member referred to the 50% take up rate on Farmers’ Market stalls and asked what initiatives were being carried out to attract more stallholders.  Ms Ragon replied that the contract for the market had been re-tendered and that this had led to an improved offer.

11.       A Member remarked that Ward based markets could stimulate interest in markets by allowing local people to sell their produce in their own neighbourhood. 

12.       A Member suggested that Gloucester Quays could be approached with a view to holding their Wine and Food Festival in the City Centre. Another Member stated that there was no evidence that such themed events in the Quays drew customers away from the City Centre and considered that the City Council should work with Gloucester Quays. 

13.       A Member suggested that charity stalls could be encouraged such as the W.I.  Another Member agreed that social enterprise should be welcomed.   

14.       A Member asked if the indoor market could be extended into the Greyfriars area.  Ms Ragon replied that this had been explored with traders who had indicated that this was not a viable option because of the current lack of footfall in the area. Members noted that the position might change in the future with the development of the Greyfriars scheme and accompanying linkages.

15.       A Member commented that outdoor food stalls in the City Centre could be held on different days to celebrate Gloucester’s diverse food offer. Ms Ragon said that discussions were being held with the Asset Management Team on the feasibility of having an indoor market with a combination of outdoor stalls.

16.       A Member queried plans for the vacant bowling green to the side of the current indoor market.  Ms Ragon agreed to investigate this point.

17.       A Member suggested that Gloucester Services could be contacted with a view to them holding a one-off market to promote their business.

18.       A Member commented on the current lack of stalls in the Cherry and White market on a Saturday.  Ms Ragon said that the market, in common with others, suffered a reduction in trade after Christmas.  Members were advised that discussions with stallholders had resulted in stalls being concentrated together rather than being scattered over King’s Square and that this was deemed to be an improvement.

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO CABINET

1.            That the Gloucester City Markets Strategy and Action Plan    should include proposals for better signposting for the current Eastgate Indoor Market.

2.            That the report be noted.

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