Agenda item

[Chris Huddart, Head of Commercial Services, to present a report outlining proposals for the relocation of Wolverhampton market that supports the delivery strategy for the Westside regeneration project.]

Chris Huddart, Head of Service provided a report and presentation to the Panel relating to the proposals for relocation of Wolverhampton indoor and outdoor market to support the delivery strategy for the Westside regeneration project.  He explained the current market provision, outlined the options for relocation and provided feedback on the preferred proposed design process and proposed design. He explained that the Panels comments would inform the final proposal in preparation for submission of the planning application on the 18 August 2015 and to commence the tender documents preparation.

The Head of Service advised the Panel that his team were working closely with market traders, indoor and outdoor, to develop one market area and in doing so retain their trade, develop a market website and work on the branding.  He highlighted the importance of identifying and meeting the specific needs of market traders, specifically the meat and fish, fruit and vegetable traders and the need to retain the cloth and material traders.

Cllr John Rowley referred to previous market relocation when the plans were to have activity led events in the Market Square which has never really taken off, he asked how the plan for a central space for events in these new proposals would work.  The Head of Service advised that the aim would be to look to Public Health and other such organisations to put on displays and information relating to healthy eating with local goods sourced at the market. Cllr Ian Angus, Chair, welcomed the plan plugging in Public Health to healthy ingredients and good value menus.

Cllr John Rowley suggested that the farmers market held in Dudley Street was quite successful and could be made part of the markets offer and looked upon as an opportunity to bring them both together.  The Head of Service advised that there was some resistance from traders to merge with the farmers market but that this could be an option to consult with the traders about.

Cllr Bhupinder Ghakal welcomed the cabin design for markets which he has seen in Camden market but asked what measures would be put in place to prevent graffiti and vandalism.  The Head of Service advised that it is proposed for CCTV to be linked in to cover the market area and that undercover police operate in the area that are linked by radio to market traders.

Cllr Phil Bateman asked what was proposed to encourage footfall from other more popular markets such as Wednesfield and Bilston.  The Head of Service acknowledged the need to increase footfall to the market but clarified the intention is not to pull footfall from other area markets but to make the market in the city centre more vibrant and attractive.  He highlighted some of the specialist trade on the central market such as multicultural spices, fish and materials; he indicated that the customer base is quite distinctive.  He added that the markets website can interlink all three markets to highlight where specialist items can be found across Wolverhampton.

In response to questions from the Chair the Head of Service advised that the traders have been mostly satisfied through the consultation and he shared one issue that has now been resolved, relating to the length of the proposed meat stall serving counters.  He assured the Panel that the traders individual needs have been addressed in the design planning stage to meet existing needs.

The Head of service clarified that public consultation commenced on the 20 July and advised that on the 22 July 2015 traders and residents of London Place, next to the market square would be invited into the market to see the designs and invite comments.

Resolved

1.    That the Panel receive the report and presentation and note the timelines for consultation

2.    That the Panel comments and feedback relating to the proposed layout  and branding for Wolverhampton Market be included in the consultation feedback