Agenda item

The principal purpose of the meeting will be to consider issues around the importance of the Markets to the vitality of the town centre.

The Task Group may wish to consider, amongst other factors, the impact of the outcomes of past scrutiny inquiries; the impact of the recent Covered Market refurbishments; ways of enhancing the vitality of the Flat Iron Market; and the effectiveness of Themed Markets.

A copy of the Executive Summary and Recommendations extracted from the final report of the Overview and Scrutiny Inquiry into Chorley Markets published in September 2004 is attached to aid discussion.  Notes on market stall occupancy rates and the current situation on the recently commissioned Consultants’ review of the Flat Iron Market will be circulated at the meeting.

There will be an opportunity to question the Officers and determine preliminary recommendations for assessment at a later stage. 

The Chair reminded the Task Group that the primary purpose of the meeting was to consider issues around the importance of the Markets to the vitality of the town centre.

The Task Group had previously been supplied with a copy of the final report of the Overview and Scrutiny Inquiry into Chorley Markets published in September 2004, but an additional copy of the Executive Summary and Recommendations extracted from the final report had been provided to aid discussion.

Conrad Heald (Town Centre and Markets Manager) gave an overview of the current position in relation to both the Covered Market and the Flat Iron Market, during which the following points were highlighted:

·          Current Market stall and cabin rental fees had been frozen for the past 2 years and were considered to be competitive in comparison with neighbouring districts.

·          On most market days, all of the Covered Market cabins were occupied and the average occupancy rate for Covered Market stalls had risen over past years to 70%.

·          The rental fees for 78% of the Flat Iron market stalls were paid in advance by regular traders, leaving 18 stalls vacant for use by casual traders.  The availability of sufficient stalls to accommodate casual traders helped to safeguard the diversity of goods for sale.

·          Occupancy of the stalls on the Flat Iron market was very much reliant on weather conditions, but the average occupancy rate was steadily increasing.

Conrad also reminded the Task Group of the recommendations from the previous Markets Overview and Scrutiny inquiry that had so far been implemented, with an indication of additional measures that might reasonably be adopted in the current climate.

A number of Task Group members considered that action was required to enhance the appearance and character of the Flat Iron Market in order to revitalise the market.  In this context, a briefing note prepared by Peter McAnespie (Policy and Design Team Leader) was circulated on the current position regarding the Flat Iron Improvements Scheme Design Study being undertaken by Landscape Projects.  The objective of the study, commissioned in September 2009 to complement the Chorley Town Centre Audit and Design Strategy, was to enhance the Flat Iron Market and allow it to become a multi-functional market/car park/civic space linked to the Market Walk Phase 2 plans.  The Consultants’ findings were due to be presented to the Strategy Group in February 2010, with a view to a preferred option being agreed for consultation purposes.

During the ensuing debate, the following suggestions and issues were raised in particular:

·          While it was likely that the Council would be reluctant to increase market stall or cabin rents in the present economic conditions, a future review of the fees structure could be undertaken.  This could include the Task Group’s earlier consideration of Flat Iron market canopy provision and stall design, and a review of the fees structure within the Covered Market to allow parity between stalls by, for example, a charging system based on floor area.

·          Discounts could be offered to Market traders opting to pay stall or cabin fees either in advance or by direct debit.

·          Arrears of stall or cabin fees should not be allowed to accumulate to an unreasonable limit.

·          Provision for adequate access by emergency services vehicles would need to be made if the Market was extended into Market Street and/or Fazakerley Street.

·          The viability of Flat Iron Market traders being required to erect their own stalls as a cost savings measure could be explored.

·          Any ultimate proposals affecting the Flat Iron Market would need to be linked with the development plans emerging from the current Design Study.

·          The feasibility of reducing the frequency of the current monthly Farmers Markets to a quarterly cycle;  extending them over a weekend or a number of weekdays; and linking them with a Craft Fair or similar event, could be examined.

·          The viability of future Continental Markets appeared to be waning.

·          The feasibility of the Christmas Markets being expanded into areas such as the Town Hall/Magistrates Court forecourt could be investigated.

Recommendations

At the conclusion of the comprehensive debate, the Task Group AGREED to request the Officers to prepare for submission to a future meeting both a short-term and a long-term plan for Chorley’s Markets, with particular emphasis on the Flat Iron Market.

The short-term plan should contain realistic and viable measures aimed at enhancing the appearance and vitality of the Flat Iron Market, achieving maximum occupancy of stalls and reducing arrears of stall fees.  The suggested action plan could include practical measures to encourage a uniform canopy policy and the offer of subsidies or discounts to market traders paying rents by direct debit or in advance, or occupying more than one stall, etc.  The plan should also take account of the current economic situation and not impose any undue financial burdens that would discourage traders from the markets.

The long-term plan should seek to express the Council’s aspirations for the future of the markets, including a review of the fees structure to reflect any future improvement works undertaken in the event of an economic upturn.  The Task Group is mindful of the impending issue of the Flat Iron Improvement Scheme Design Study findings by the Consultants, Landscape Projects, and expects that any long-term proposals recommended by the Task Group will be linked with and incorporated within the objectives and schemes within the Study report.