Agenda item

Report of the Director of Economic Development and Planning.

The Director of Economic Development and Planning submitted a report seeking a decision from Committee in respect of what to include within the tender documentation for the Clitheroe Market improvements.

At the meeting of 28 March 2023, Committee had agreed to utilise £100k of the Council’s 2023/24 funding allocation along with £72k of capital funding to undertake improvements to Clitheroe Market. The agreed improvements included removing all metal stall units, resurfacing the bull ring area, additional central fixed trading units, introducing additional power supplies, a new modern canopy structure, and for Officers to consider options for wind mitigation measures. Given the value of the works, tender documentation was being prepared for submission, with a view to submitting to tender in early December.

Some Members had received concerns from existing Market Traders in regard to the proposed works, and in particular the removal of the casual stalls, a number of which were being used by existing cabin holders as an extension to their stalls.

The report noted that the agreed improvements were recommended following the market consultant’s report, which had included extensive consultation with the market traders.  The minutes of the quarterly market trader meetings, at which market traders had been kept informed of the proposed works, were included in the report.

Given the concerns raised, two options for inclusion in the tender documentation were put forward for Committee to consider:

Option 1: Remove the casual stalls, resurface the whole bullring area (creating a central area of open space with new planting and electric points) and erect a block of new permanent cabins (option 1); or

Option 2: Remove the casual stalls, resurface the whole bullring area (creating a central area of open space with new planting and electric points) and erect a block of new casual stalls (not dissimilar to the current offer). This option may allow for the resurfacing works to be extended along the pedestrian routes between the existing cabins (budget permitting).

It was also noted that a new modern canopy structure had been included in the agreed works, however, this was subject to the suitability of such a structure in respect of wind conditions. The new canopy structure did not form part of the options presented and as such Committee were also asked to consider the removal of the central canopy area from the scheme at this stage, and that further options would be considered by the Working Group.

Members discussed the Market and the proposal at length. A group of Members had also visited the Market recently and had discussions with traders. The recent success of the Market was noted at the meeting along with the quality of the produce on offer. Committee agreed that the Market was a valuable asset to the town and assisted local businesses to start and develop. Members felt that the resurfacing works were essential, as the surface had deteriorated due to cars needing to drive on it regularly. The longevity of the new surface would therefore be considered.

RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:

1.    Authorise the Director of Economic Development and Planning working with the Head of Engineering to invite tenders for the market improvements works.

2.    Agree that option 2 should be included within the tender pack.

3.    Remove the central canopy area from the scheme at this stage with further options to be considered by the Working Group.