Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Health and Housing
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
1.
Approve entering into an agreement with Dorchester Town Council for them to operate Fairfield
Market and Cornhill Market under the governance of the Dorchester Market Joint
Informal Panel from 3 April 2026.
2.
That authority be delegated to the Interim
Executive Lead for Place in consultation with the Director of Legal and
Democratic Services (and their nominated officers), to facilitate the necessary
agreement with Dorchester Town Council for the operation of Fairfield Market
and Cornhill Market.
3.
That similarly, the terms of reference for the
Dorchester Market Joint Informal Panel be revised to provide effective
governance for the arrangements.
To ensure the effective operation of Fairfield and Cornhill
markets, providing a valuable community resource.
Award an operating lease for operation of the market from 3 April 2026 to an appropriate contractor.
No interests declared.
Consultees:
Dorchester Town Council
Dorchester Markets Joint Informal Panel
Dorset Council Legal Services
Dorchester Market Joint Informal Panel is comprised of Elected Members from both councils.
Budget Implications:
Securing a new
operator for the market from the end of the current operating lease will help
to ensure the financial stability of the market and income to the Council.
In 2023-24, the
total income from Fairfield and Cornhill Markets including rents and car park
income was £132,000.
Legal Implications:
Legal Services has been consulted in the development of this
option for the operation of Fairfield and Cornhill Markets.
Reference Document:
Report titled ‘Future Operation of Fairfield Market, Dorchester’ dated 19 November 2024.
Publication date: 21/11/2024
Date of decision: 20/11/2024
Accompanying Documents: