To consider the result of the consultations undertaken on the proposed relocation of the Hereford Open Retail Market into the St Peter’s Street/High Town interface and Commercial Street each Saturday and Wednesday, and to seek Cabinet approval of the recommendations for the implementation of the market.

THAT:

a)                 subject to approval of the capital programme bid, the relocation of Hereford Open Retail Market to the St Peter’s Street/High Town interface and Commercial Street as from 8 April 2009 (or as soon afterwards as operational arrangements allow) be approved;

b)            the proposed formulation of a policy governing allocation of the stalls be noted; and

c)             during the first year of operation a Retail Impact Assessment is undertaken and that a formal evaluation of the effectiveness of the new arrangement is considered by the Cabinet Member at the end of that period.

To ensure that the long-term sustainability and economic viability of an Open Retail Market in Hereford is guaranteed. 

To provide additional support, vibrancy and interest in the City, attracting visitors to the City centre.

To facilitate business development through a policy of allocation that will not only encourage business start up through a number of available ‘incubator’ stalls but also focus on and encourage locally produced goods and produce.

To relocate because of the inevitable loss of the current site due to the ESG Herefordshire Ltd development.

Alternative options were investigated within the New Markets Solutions report entitled ‘Hereford City Markets – A New Direction’

Consultation has been undertaken with Herefordshire Council: Trading Standards; Property Services; Economic Development; Tourism; Finance; Highways and Transportation; Central Ward Member; CCTV.Outside Organisations: Edgar Street Grid Ltd; Hereford City Partnership; Hereford City Council; Buttermarket Independent Traders Association; Headquarters of the National Market Traders Federation; Hereford Branch of National Market Traders Federation; Open Retail Market Traders; Hereford Farmers Markets Group; Retailers in Commercial Street/St Peter’s Street; National Association of British Markets Authority; West Mercia Constabulary.  The public.