Memorandum by the London Borough of Bromley
(MARKETS 34)
SUMMARY
— The London Borough of Bromley presently
manages; a 800 year old Charter Market, that takes place every
Thursday in a council car park. A combined Arts and Craft and
Farmers' market, that takes place every Friday and Saturday in
the pedestrian area of Bromley town centre. A small market that
takes place every Monday in Orpington High Street.— Plans
are in place to regenerate a producers' street market in Penge,
from June 2009.— Occasional continental markets take place
in the smaller town centres around the borough throughout the
year.
— Proposals are in place to relocate the
Charter Market to Bromley town centre to provide an alternative
shopping experience and increase vibrancy to the town.
— The local authority considers a well
presented and managed market to be an important ingredient to
a successful town centre.
1. Traditional retail markets today
1.1 During the last 10 years markets have
changed from traditional fruit, vegetable and clothing to more
specialist, such as, Arts and Crafts, Farmers' and continental.
1.2 The number of markets has actually increased.
1.3 The main obstacles to more markets would
be lack of suitable sites, the expense of installing appropriate
infrastructure, such as, power supplies, ground fixing points
and stall structures. There is also a limited number of appropriate
operators and traders.
1.4 Parking facilities for traders' vehicles
and the lack of appropriate infrastructure.
1.5 Continental and farmers' markets have
proved successful and popular, but only if they take place on
an occasional basis as their novelty factor soon wears off. Existing
street and market traders welcome these markets, but only on an
occasional basis.
2. Their social and economic effects
2.1 They provide low cost start-up business
opportunities. Provide an alternative shopping experience. Offer
goods not easily available locally. Increase local footfall that
contributes towards the vibrancy and vitality of the area. Creates
face to face interaction between traders and customers.
2.2 Enable markets to provide the goods and services
that customers need and want.
3. Realising the potential of traditional
retail markets
3.1 Our markets are self-funding for operational
purposes only. Bids are made for additional funding for such things
as power supplies, new stalls and other infrastructure needs.
3.2 The local authority has a better understanding
of the bigger picture in terms of the local environment, especially
with regard to any future developments. Would need to meet the
requirements of local businesses, residents, shoppers and not
just the traders. Some local authorities may not possess the business
experience to successfully manage a market.
3.3 Not aware of any support from central
government for markets. Markets should be supported and managed
locally.
3.4 Central government could make use of
local markets for the promotion of healthier eating, less packaging,
less transport costs etc. Also, contribute towards funding for
regeneration areas to improve local economy and employment.
4. Planning and licensing issues
4.1 Planning regulations can assist where
local conditions need to be implemented, for example, where residential
properties are close-by.
4.2 Licensing regulations are essential for managing
and controlling conditions. They ensure a "level playing
field".
4.3 Enable the regulations to be made more
flexible to suit local conditions and requirements.
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