The City of York Council has issued a media release saying that it “is asking traders, shoppers and visitors for their initial thoughts on plans to secure a flourishing future for the historic Newgate Market and its contribution to the city’s retail offering.
This preliminary consultation will involve all traders, including businesses inside and adjacent to the market, working groups and shoppers both local and visiting. It also links to city-wide projects such as Reinvigorate York and Smarter York which are focussing on the appearance and quality of the city.
Dependent on the outcome of the consultation, a bid could be made to the council’s Economic Infrastructure Fund (EIF) which aims to kick-start critical economic infrastructure projects that may not otherwise receive external funding support. If successful, and subject to further consultation on a more refined vision, the visibility and overall appearance of the market could be enhanced in line with an ambitious improvement plan.
This consultation outlines the council’s aims and objectives for the market which includes creating extra jobs from increased footfall and contributing to the evening economy with evening markets and extended trading hours. To do so, consultation respondents will be asked about the appearance of the existing market place and how it might be made more inviting and attract a wider range of businesses”.
The consultation launches on Monday 22 October. To take part, people can visit a mobile exhibition unit at Newgate Market everyday until Sunday 28 October from 9.00 until 4.30pm daily. People can also participate online at www.york.gov.uk or by email at york-markets@york.gov.uk or write to Darren Lovatt, City of York Council, 5 Silver Street, York YO1 8RY. All responses must be received by 31 October 2012
The Council have already announced that they intend to make changes to the market so really the consultation is about what should be done, not whether major change is needed. Stand by for a deluge of reponses asking for the market to return to parliament Street!