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.

The Cabinet Member, Economic Development and Community Services presented the report to Cabinet, which outlined 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 Wednesday and Saturday. 

The Cabinet Member referred to the recommendations in the report and advised that it was subject to the caveat that a one year trial period would be undertaken followed on by a detailed study of the effectiveness of the new arrangements.  He emphasised that a detailed analysis of the footfall in the Butter Market itself would also be undertaken as there was understandably, considerable concern by the Butter Market stall holders over the new proposals.  The Cabinet Member went on to recommend two further courses of action, that there be a detailed review of the strategy surrounding the policy of selecting new stallholders i.e. the quality of the retail offered and its geographical origin, and that a retail impact study be conducted as soon as possible.

Cabinet reiterated the need for a twelve month trial period and to ensure that the right balance was struck on the type of stalls used to ensure they were attractive to customers.  It was stated that where this had been carried out in other areas the market had been effective in attracting business into the city and that other retailers had also benefitted substantially, with new trade being brought into the retail area.  Cabinet emphasised it was essential to ensure that Butter Market stall holders did not loose any trade.

The Chairman of Strategic Monitoring Committee stated he was concerned with the overhead costs for retailers compared with those for stall holders and that it was vital to get the balance correct.

The local Ward Member, Councillor Hubbard spoke at the invitation of the Chairman and stated that he enjoyed street markets, which, when well presented, could be a benefit to an area.  He believed that Hereford city had a good markets officer who addressed the issues raised, however, he had some concerns, which were:

• That the consultation exercise took place in the run up to Christmas in a time of recession.
• There were a number of retail stores where their views on the consultation had not been gained as the relevant Head offices had not responded during the consultation time frame.
• A number of street traders did not appear to be represented.
• The view of a number of associated traders had been reflected as being in support of the proposals but it was believed, after speaking with traders, this was not necessarily a true reflection.
• The views of the Farmers’ market stall holders had not been reflected.
• The Hereford City Partnership, the City Council and ESG Ltd., were not in agreement with the proposals and this was not reflected in the report.

Councillor Hubbard added that he was of the opinion that the regeneration of the Butter Market would be very significant and was very concerned at the prospect of the open market stall holders trading in competition with the Butter Market stall holders, particularly when the Butter Market traders were moved out for the refurbishment of the Market Hall.  He added that these issues were for debate and a balance needed to be struck at a time of economic difficulty.

The Cabinet Member, Economic Development and Community Services thanked the ward Member for his contribution and agreed the importance of debating the issues.  Additionally, he stated that the Council would consider using Experion, the footfall performance measuring solutions company, to analyse the impact of the outside market and any other activity on the Butter Market in High Town.  The concerns raised were understood by Cabinet, particularly during the current credit crunch, however, if nothing was done it could be seen as a missed opportunity.  There were concerns as to whether a further delay for an impact assessment was appropriate.  Officers advised that it was proposed to hold the first market following the May Fair.  Cabinet re-emphasised the need to ensure that quality stalls were provided for the city centre.

RESOLVED

            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.