Agenda item

A report was presented to the Panel that provided an update on progress to date relating to the Enterprise Market Place (Phase 1) project (EMP1). The report also provided information relating to the potential future operating model of Doncaster Market.  It was explained that the project was on time and on budget.

In terms of timescales, Members were informed that the Wool Market will open on Tuesday 26th March 2019 with a planned soft opening, building up to the weekend of Friday 29th to Sunday 31st March 2018 (Mothering Sunday). 

A discussion took place which covered the following areas;

Occupancy Rates – Concern was raised that new rent amounts were too expensive in comparison to what was being charged. It was explained that rents will gradually increase over 3 years to assist market traders initially and it was added that the rent amounts would reflect the type of environment that the traders would be operating within.

Market Mix – Members were informed that there was a focus on filling the food outlets first with a number of strong interests put forward already.  It was explained that it was natural for the food offer to develop first and for the retail offer to follow.  Concern was raised whether retail stalls could potentially sell the same items as each other.  Members were assured that the commodity mix was being managed by the Council to ensure that this would not happen.  In terms of selling fake goods, it was noted that close monitoring was being undertaken of what was sold on the market stalls and where necessary, suspected issues would be reported onto Trading Standards.

It was explained that the markets proposal would consist of a multi-functional space that would contribute to a much needed diverse cultural and leisure offer.  This with an aspiration to stage events and demonstrations would provide the market place with the potential to appeal to visitors both day and night. 

It was recognised that it was an exciting project which would provide the benefits of a full modern market offer and form part of a number of schemes aimed at developing the town centre.

Transport and accessibility – Members were concerned that connectivity within the town centre should ensure that locations were linked.  It was explained that changes being made to Silver Street would impact on the number 15 bus service, with a new bus stop positioned on market road offering a direct service to the market.  It was added that there were ongoing discussions with the bus operator to link up key destinations throughout the town.

Members were informed of the redesign of the current market car park that would provide a gateway and enhanced waterfront connections.  It was explained that coach trips would be able to drop visitors off outside the wool market and be offered a meet and greet service when the Council was notified of the visit.  It was considered essential that visitors arriving from outside of Doncaster were taken direct to where they expected to be at the right time.

There was a brief conversation in relation to the layout of lanes following developments around Silver Street (Quality Streets project) that would give people an improved offer. 

Members were informed that there would be discussions with First Bus regarding a circular service around the Town Centre with the possibility of using a smaller bus to access Scot Lane.  References were made to a recently changed bus services in Finningley where people had not initially understood the changes.

Regarding the strategy to promote this service around the marketplace, it was explained that it will be developed alongside the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, markets and out in the bus station as well as passing that information onto Councillors.

Management Company – It was outlined that at Cabinet on the 19^th June 2018, the decision was agreed to commence operations of the market via a contract on a long term lease.  Members were told that a further report would be presented to Council prior to the final award being made following completion of the procurement process. 

Concern was raised that the management model would take place over a significant length of time (up to 25 years) with full management of the market estates (that included Mexborough).  Clarification was sought on what responsibilities the management company would take and concern was raised about what would happen if the management company folded.

It was explained that the market operator would have had past experience of running more than one market and would therefore be able to judge what worked and what didn’t work.  It was added that monitoring would be in place to ensure that the appointed market operator carried out their responsibilities.  Financially, it was outlined that there would be a minimal annual payment made to the Council.   Although only 10% of markets were operated by the market sector, it was explained that it was within that where more innovation could be applied.

It was asked whether in the event that a tender was not awarded, would it then be awarded in-house and if so, what standards would there be in place.  In terms of the bidding process, it was explained that there would be an evaluation process through set questions that would be responded to within the tender. This would then show comparisons as to what the Council would be able to provide.

The Panel sought clarification on the responsibilities that would be undertaken by the management company under the proposed new operating model.  It was explained that monitoring would be carried out to ensure that the appointed market operator would be undertaking their responsibilities effectively and that there would be a minimal annual payment to the Council.

A Member raised their concern over the potential risk of using an outside company to manage the market.  Views were expressed that the new management arrangements should be rigorously and regularly reviewed to ensure they delivered the Council’s and the public’s aspirations for the markets. Members considered that this could potentially be undertaken by the Council’s Audit Committee.

The Cabinet Member for Business, Skills and Economic Development shared how there was a need to do undertake something different.  Reference was made to developments across the rest of the town centre and it was commented that a number of high quality shops had recently located in Doncaster and this supported a wider and more diverse retail offer.

It was recognised that the market was a ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Doncaster and an anchor retail destination for the town centre.  It was explained that one of the changes would be to the trading hours, by opening the market at times to attract more customers, something which was supported by Members. However, Members were concerned that consideration should be provided to those who had been involved in the market previously, although it was suggested that current traders needed to respond to the changes that were in motion and work with the Council. 

An invite was given to Members of the Panel to join Councillor Wray for a visit to the Corn Exchange taking place on Monday, 15^th October 2018.

RESOLVED that the Panel note the report; and

1. That the Audit Committee considers reviewing the relevant aspects of the proposed market management arrangements within its workplan; and
2. That the Regeneration and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Panel include an update on the Enterprise Market Place (Phase 1) Project to its 2019/20 Work Plan for future consideration.