Previous references:           Regeneration and Economy Overview & Scrutiny Committee 6/3/18

Executive, Minute 21 (2018/19)

The Strategic Director – Place will present a report which updates Members on the proposals for the redevelopment of the City Centre Markets (Document “U”).

Members are asked to consider the contents of Document “U” and it is:

Recommended –

That the Strategic Director – Place submit a further progress report on the redevelopment of the City Centre Markets to this Committee in twelve months time.

                                                (Colin Wolstenholme – 01274 432243)

Previous references:           Minute 49 (2017/18)

Executive, Minute 21 (2018/19)

The Strategic Director – Place submitted a report which updated Members on the proposals for the redevelopment of the City Centre Markets (Document “U”).

The Markets Manager gave a detailed report and powerpoint presentation on the proposals including:

·         A brief history of the markets in Bradford.

·         The current provision.

·         The work undertaken to date on redevelopment proposals.

·         The concept plans for the new markets, and

·         The forthcoming consultation process and programme for implementation.

He responded to questions from Members with the following information:

·         It was considered important to engage with City Centre businesses, including those on Darley Street and Piccadilly adjacent to the entrances to the new food focused market (on the site of the former M&S building), and it was hoped to increase confidence and encourage the improvement of existing vacant properties in this locality.

·         It was anticipated that the new market would act as a catalyst for the regeneration of this part of the City Centre generating up to 300,000 visitors a week.

·         There would be a number of different options for the existing market traders who did not relocate to the new market. It was anticipated that a number would decide to stop trading or retire and assistance would be provided to those wanting to find a different location, for example Keighley Market. Support would also be given to those traders wishing to improve their offer.

·         Part of the selection process would include consideration of what both new and existing traders were offering; there was a desire to ensure that the best products were on offer, that there was a wide range of goods and that customers were given good service. This was important as there was a need to attract new customers and encourage younger people to use the market.

·         Talks were being held with the operator of the Asian market at the former Rawson Temporary Market about their future plans and options.

·         The initial concept plans showed a canopy roof extending out over Darley Street at the entrance point but not covering the complete area.

·         A marketing and branding company had been appointed to assist the Council with the stakeholder consultation process and in collecting and managing feedback. They would also provide expertise in terms of branding, press and publicity material and creating a strong online and social media presence. It was important that assumptions were not made about what customers wanted.

·         One of the major advantages of this new development would be continuity in that traders could close on the Saturday at the Oastler Centre and re-open on the Monday at the new location.

·         A considerable amount of time had been spent on modelling in respect of business and financial risk and he was confident that if the right offer could be provided then it would result in a sustainable and profitable market. The overall size would be reduced; the location would be more central; and the food offer would be consolidated to one location. Significant interest had already been registered by a number of traders not currently based in Bradford. A ‘pop up’ space would also be created to allow new ideas/concepts to be tested out or for seasonal products/trade.

·         The non-food offer would be located in the Kirkgate Centre.

·         Deliveries to the former M&S store had been via a warehouse building; Vintry House and goods had been transported into the store using the high level footbridge over Piccadilly. Delivery arrangements for traders were being considered, in order to avoid Piccadilly becoming a service road.

·         The initial consultation with existing traders had been very positive and they were eager for things to move forward.

·         Service charges and rents had not been established at this stage. Some projections and modelling had been undertaken and this had included consideration of other benchmarked rents in other local authority areas. The rents at the existing markets had not changed since 1993 and it would not be a surprise that there would be an increase associated with the new facilities, although ensuring that costs were not too high was obviously an issue.

·         It had been clearly relayed to traders that no priority would be given as a result of length of tenancy. The selection criteria would be fair and transparent and would be developed in consultation with interested parties including the Chamber of Trade, a business advisor and the National Market Traders’ Federation. They would be focused on the quality and range of merchandise on offer and the level of customer care.

·         This was not a matter of ‘lifting and shifting’ the old market to a new location; it had to be different to ensure that the offer met the needs of the new customers that the market needed to attract. The available space would be curated with great care taking account of good practice and ideas that had proved successful from other areas. The Council needed to be strong in its belief to seek a new operating model and improved retail offer. Existing traders were aware of the higher expectations for the new provision and a number were actively encouraging the introduction of higher selection criteria. Traders would be supported to make improvements if they wished to do so. Information in relation to stall design, rents etc would be shared with the traders once available.

·         Most of the longer serving traders had protected tenancies which conveyed certain rights in respect of termination of their business tenancies. There was an established legal process that would be followed if a trader was not successful in relocating and this would include the payment of compensation based on the rateable value of the business and the length of time they had been trading.

·         The food market was projected to generate a £480,000 surplus. Income would be assisted by having a smaller market with fewer vacancies and the building would be designed to be as efficient as possible and future proofed.

·         The food offer would be from independent providers.

·         The consultation would be concluded by the end of January and contributions by Members were welcome.

Members said that:

·         All City Centres needed a good market provision to offer different options to the standard retail offer.

·         This comprehensive report was welcomed.

·         The report, including the history of the markets, had been very interesting and engaging.

Resolved –

That Document “U” and the exciting design concept for the proposed development of the new City Centre Markets be welcomed and that Members look forward to being involved in the consultation process on the proposals in due course.

ACTION:       Strategic Director, Place