Agenda item

Report Reference BHP37

Councillor Thompson, Cabinet Member for Business and Culture; and the Service Lead - Economy & Tourism introduced the report, ref BHP37 which set out the proposals from the report (available here).

The committee was recommended as follows.

1.    To review and comment on the Winchester district street markets review 2022.

2.    To note the findings and recommendations outlined in the review.

3.    To support the approach to action the recommendations outlined in the review.

These included:

1.    the development of branding, promotional materials and marketing activity,

2.    the improvements to market appearance derived from investment in signage and street dressing, branded gazebos, pitch layout/customer flow,

3.    the number of market stalls and additional themed markets.

The committee proceeded to ask questions and debate the report and in summary, the following matters were raised.

1.    Had the council been advised of the level of funding awarded from its bid to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)?

2.    Regarding the Street Markets Review 2022 Executive Summary Report and the section titled “Alresford – future”, would this impact the current management of its markets by the Town Trust?

3.    Could committee members receive a copy of the Street Markets Review 2022 full report?

4.    Regarding paragraph 2.8, could the areas for improvement for the Winchester street market include the safety issues around the loading and unloading environment particularly the interaction with pedestrians and how this could be managed more effectively?

5.    Regarding paragraph 2.14, could we understand the re-tendering process more, especially regarding the timescales and approach being taken?

6.    Appropriate public WC facilities needed to be available if encouraging the public to visit street markets.

7.    The methodology that determined whether a street market enhances or did not damage High Street shops’ trade?

8.    That on busy market days, the Winchester High Street became congested and for some people was difficult to navigate.

9.    How much did recommendation number 3 rely on a successful bid to the UKSPF and if no funding was received what measures could still go ahead?

10. That the report gave some reassurance that shop holders were not negatively affected by a street market.

11. Could an updated report include a paragraph recognising an intention to explore the longer-term desire for a market presence in The Broadway in Winchester?

12. Where did the Winchester Farmers Market sit within the council’s thinking and had the council considered an indoor, all-weather facility?

13. Did the council share experiences with the Catherdral regarding their Christmas market?

14. Regarding proposals for trading equipment including stalls, gazebos and tables, who would design it, own it, and where would it be stored?

15. Regarding page 39 and the opportunities to expand the number of market traders, could more information be given on the intention to grow the size of the markets?

These points were responded to by Councillor Thompson, Cabinet Member for Business and Culture and the Service Lead - Economy & Tourism.

RESOLVED:

1.         That officers consider the comments of the committee as part of the next stage.

2.         That further consideration is given to discouraging the use of single-use plastic within the district’s Street Markets.

3.         That the full “Winchester District Street Markets Review 2022" report be circulated to committee members.

4.         That the safety concerns raised be considered as part of any future procurement exercise and separately with market stall holders.

5.         That ease of access through the Winchester Street Market was important.

6.         That the comments regarding the long-term aim of using The Broadway be considered.