An opportunity to consider and discuss an update on Market Operations and what this entails.
Minutes:
The Panel
took the opportunity to consider Market operations, what these were, how these
should be delivered and what could be done to make the most of this asset so as
to ensure the markets in Dorchester would be viable and a successful
attraction. They were pleased to hear from Grant Jones – on behalf of the
Cornhill market traders – about what was happening in Cornhill; how things were
being done there and what his experiences – and those of other traders - were.
Given the
limitations in being able to run the market as had been done prior to
the
pandemic, trade - in terms of sales, browsing and passing trade – had all
been
curtailed significantly over the recent months. Whilst this was generally
understandable,
every effort had continued to be made to ensure what trade
possible
was maintained, with social distancing rules being applied. Despite
the
hardships experienced, there was still a keen appetite for pitches when
these
became available. Mr Jones had met with officers to see how best the Cornhill
market could be run, what might be offered and where best this might be
situated.
Options
for how this market – and Dorchester markets generally – could
remain
vibrant and viable going forward were considered and where any
expansion
might be able to be accommodated and how this might be done.
The Panel
saw this as welcomed news and, in recognising how popular the
Cornhill
market was, were pleased to see that there had been some resurgence in trade
and interest now a degree of normality had returned. They acknowledged there
was a loyal and dedicated patronage of the stalls and saw no reason why his
shouldn’t continue to thrive into the future. The Panel thanked Mr Jones for
his valued contribution and continuing positive approach.
The Panel
considered what options there were for the future of Dorchester
markets -
in terms of trading activities; locations; popularity and footfall;
access;
legal and contractual commitments and obligations; and cultural and
social
community considerations - with a presentation from the Town Clerk
facilitating
this discussion and the panels understanding.
The
fundamentals of the market – its purpose, its heritage and its legacy –
and what
it had to offer to the town in terms of economic, social and civic
benefits
together with how it had been managed, how it was being managed
and what
visions there were for its future, were all considerations.
As a market
town, of the County Town, it was something of which to be rightly
proud and
was considered an asset in providing an opportunity for traders, a
boost for
the local economy and was a business seedbed. The Panel
understood
they all played their part in attracting footfall locally and from
visitors
afar and acted as a means of social service - providing value for
money
goods that were not necessarily able to be sourced by other means. It
was
community focused, vibrant and stimulated local contact, being adaptable
in
reflecting changing needs and trends.
The Panel
appreciated having the opportunity to be able to review of issues
considering
that, as well as the economic benefits to be gained, the social and
welfare
benefits of the market were of considerable value too.
Whatever
options were available, it was accepted that the markets should be
invigorated
so as to provide something unique and relevant to the customer of
today, to
meet their expectations - were that be more street food outlets,
demonstrations
or heritage exhibitions.
This
would go a long way to ensuring their viability was maintained
and gave
a valid reason for people to continue to visit it in the numbers
previously
seen. It was accepted that the pandemic had seriously affected
what
could be done in the recent past, but they saw no reason why this trend
couldn’t
be reversed going forward.
Consideration
would continue to be given to the differing scenarios and various options with
regard to trade, performance and management of the different market entities,
in identifying and assessing how this could be best achieved so as to serve as
some basis for how the markets could operate successfully going forward. What
was being done at Bridport Market in bringing about its success was worth looking
into.
The Panel
acknowledged the benefits of what the markets brought to
Dorchester
and what they each had to offer in their own way, not only as an
entity –
as a means of trading goods, services and produce which might not
otherwise
be readily accessible directly between suppliers and public - but
their
wider value and contribution too, in attracting visitors to the town and as
a social
and community asset. Moreover, in being an historic market town, the
essence
of maintaining a viable and successful market was critical to the
fabric
and vitality of Dorchester.
Issues
for consideration would be how the markets operated; how they could
best
adapt to meet the needs of today’s consumer; what the means of doing
this
would be; what arrangements were necessary to achieve this; what
rental,
licencing and contractual arrangements were necessary to secure their
continuation;
and how they could improve their efficiency to ensure viability
was
maintained.
Most
importantly the Panel wanted to see them successful and continue
contributing
to the economy of the town and be seen as a social and
community
asset for years to come and there was a considerable will to see
these
valued assets succeed.
It was
considered that the pandemic had
provided the opportunity to reassess and re calibrate what was being done and
the process for
doing it.
Whilst the principles on what to do, how to do it and, where it should
be done
were accepted, it was recognised that there was a need for any
further
detailed discussion at this stage again
should be held by a Working Group in confidential session so that
finances and commercial contract arrangements could be discussed, whilst
respecting the sensitivities of this.
An
assurance was given that whatever options were considered, there would
be a need
for this to go through a formal decision process – in a public forum
setting –
with no decisions being taken discretely. For now, those options
would be
considered and assessed, with any recommendations being then
formally
considered by both the Town Council and Dorset Council before any
implementation
was considered.
The Panel
considered that, in the circumstances, what was being proposed was as practicable
as it could be in managing the way in which the markets operated and in them
being prepared to meet future needs and trends.