Issue - meetings

To receive the market management report on the Dorchester Markets and related property and facilities.

The Estates Manager set out the bi-annual market management report on the markets in Dorchester and related property and facilities matters.

The panel was advised that the market revenue had been falling for many years owing to the changing pattern of retailing, internet purchasing and general trends of markets failing to meeting the requirements of shoppers.  The market operator Ensors had provided their draft accounts for the year up to 31 March 2019 and this had revealed a continuation of the fall in revenue of market stalls from £147,000 in 2017/18 to £136,870 in 2018/19.

For the year up to 31 March 2019 the gross income from car boot tolls had also dropped from £50,000 to £46,000.  The overall net income from both these markets had dropped from £102,000 to £97,000.

New members were advised that in recent years the panel had reviewed the means to improve performance and officers had commissioned a report from the NABMA in respect of the market operations.  The Estates Manager also reported that since the last meeting of the panel a number of repairs and maintenance on the market site had taken place.  This included works to the asbestos sheet roofing, new CCTV had been installed on the site and would be operational shortly. Also a new main gate had been installed and security managed locking regime was now in place.

The Estates Manager also advised that basic repairs had been undertaken on the North Linneys roof.

In response to questions, the panel was advised that there had been issues with the electricity charges and concerns over the levels of consumption. Because of the site complexity the costs had reverted back to the council while officers arranged for sub-metering of supplies.

In respect of the Cornhill Market, the trading pitches were now managed by Dorchester Cornhill Market Limited under licence, with the council receiving a licensing fee of £25,974.  The panel noted that this independent market was now thriving and was a welcome addition to the high street.

However concern was expressed regarding the number of market vehicles and delivery vans that were accessing South Street before the designated time in the evening. This was potentially dangerous for pedestrians in the town. The Estates Manager also reported on the Cornmarket and the Dorset Farmer Market.

Decision

That the report be received and noted.