Action plan to improve market hall

A NEW business enhancement plan has been developed for Bridgend Indoor Market that aims to create new stalls, attract more visitors and improve the overall shopping experience.

The plan has been put forward by Bridgend County Borough Council and the Bridgend Market Partnership to deliver changes that will make it easier, cheaper and faster to open up new businesses.

The council said it includes a range of high-quality improvements designed to enhance the overall shopping experience as well as provisions for promoting the market and ensuring that it can meet modern retail needs. Among the proposals are: A restructured rent policy for all new stall lettings based on cost bandings for small, medium and large units;

a 15% rent rebate during the postChristmas “off-peak” trading period between December 1 and March 31, 2018, to support existing tenants;

the appointment of commercial agents to promote and let market stalls more effectively;

the establishment of a Market Association with an agreed improvement and communications plan;

and a Market Enhancement Fund that the Market Association can access to support the delivery of the plan and focus on staff training, marketing, improvement activities and more.

Councillor Charles Smith, cabinet member for regeneration and education, said: “We have been working on this plan in close partnership with market trader representatives for a number of months and recently presented it to other traders at the market for their consideration. The plan recognises that while the council can review things like letting policies and rent levels, traders will also need to adapt in order to meet increasing customer expectations and evolving market conditions.

“As such, the plan incorporates a number of proposals that support positive promotion of the market and its services. These include new events and promotional activities, customer service and sales training, ‘secret shopper’ feedback support, creative short-term use of empty units and more.

“We are also considering whether lifting clauses intended to prevent duplication footfall.

“This is a very exciting and ambitious piece of work which demonstrates the council’s commitment to the market. The next phase will be for the traders themselves to take forward and I am looking forward to receiving their feedback.” of stalls could support