FRESH TWIST IN TRESTLE MARKET ROW
Feasibility study to be conducted over trestle scheme
CONSULTANTS are to be invited to tender to develop a feasibility study for the future of Leek trestle market.
The trestle market has been the focus of debate and controversy for several months as Leek Town Council has requested the building be made available for events.
However, the district council has stated that new permanent stalls could be built which will not allow the premises to be used for any other occasion.
However, in a letter to the Post & Times, 18 stallholders have also objected to fixed stalls being erected in the market hall.
A report now states that suggestions for the premises include the possible addition of four or five modern food outlets.
Now in the latest twist of events, a delegated decision by the leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Councillor Sybil Ralphs who also has the responsibilty for regeneration, has approved officers to commission the preparation of a fully costed feasibility study and business case for consideration of the premises.
A report to councillors by the district council’s executive officer, Neil Rodgers, said: “In 2017 a delegated decision report was presented to the cabinet member for planning, development and property outlining recommended works to the Butter Market and Market Hall and further works to improve the indoor markets in Leek.
“Numerous remedial works were required to maintain the condition of the building and ensure it is wind and water tight.
“The scope of works included repairs to the roof and windows and replacement of the obsolete heating system. The works outlined in the report were approved and completed in 2017/18.
“On completion of the above work councillors visited award winning markets in Nantwich and Shrewsbury to consider examples of best practise and how these might be adopted in Leek, and a further programme of refurbishment to the market hall was considered with the intention to restore and refit the market making it fit for purpose, supporting the increasing trend towards local food offers.
“Suggestions included the possible addition of four or five modern food outlets to attract new customers and complement Leek’s independent shops and outdoor market and attract more visitors to the town, boosting tourism and the local economy.
“It is now proposed to progress this further by preparing a fully costed feasibility study and business case this year with the aim of securing funding for refurbishing the market hall as soon as practicably possible.
“Consultants will be invited to tender for the development of a feasibility study along with a full cost breakdown and a business case for any further investment.”
The study will include: ▶ Consultation with market traders operating in market towns in the region to understand current trading conditions, aspirations for future trading and ensure the emerging market hall improvement scheme is designed to meet future business needs.
▶ Public consultation exercises with the wider public and town centre businesses.
▶ Representative demographic opinion surveys of the communities that Leek serves to understand what the public want to see and market research to inform the improvements and operation of the new market.
▶ Evidence of market demand for the new units and achievable rents for the units including examples of similar projects.
▶ Identification of the impacts of the proposed development on Leek town centre and consideration of measures to maximise positive benefits.
▶ A feasibility report with commentary on options.
▶ Full architectural plan of specified works and visuals of the proposed internal layout of the preferred option, including requirements for toilets compliant with the number of staff, and customer seating required for the food units and any work required in relation to utilities, a commercial extraction system for food preparation and the fire alarm system.
▶ A fully costed schedule of works and business case for any proposed investment.
A report detailing the findings of the study and possible works will be presented at a future date to allow consideration of the business case and any investment.
However, the opposition Labour Party at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council said that they had serious reservations regarding the issue.
Leader, Mike Gledhill said: “We are aware that officers have produced a report for the cabinet regarding progress on the matter of Leek Trestle Market. The report recommends that a feasibility study and consultation goes ahead on the proposal to introduce fixed market stalls into the building.
“The Labour Group expects that the findings will be made public so that they can be considered alongside other options which keep the building as a more flexible space capable of market and social community uses.
“However, we do have serious reservations about moving this matter to a conclusion at a time of great economic uncertainty during the Covid-19 crisis and its aftermath and the current restrictions that may impact on meaningful consultation and the democratic scrutiny of decisions.”