Only three outlets in place for town’s new food court

A PRIVATE company is being called in to manage the food court at Barnsley’s flagship shops and leisure complex, council officials have told market traders, with only three out of the 10 outlets so far filled ahead of the autumn opening.

The development comes two weeks before the opening of the first phase of the Glass Works in Barnsley, the meat and fish market, where existing traders believe the hall will be only twothirds occupied when it opens on September 1.

Barnsley Council has declined to comment on both elements of the development, but the National Market Traders Federation says it was told of the council’s intentions to bring in outside management for the food hall, to be called Market Kitchen, at a regular meeting.

At that time they were also told only three outlets so far have tenants, all traditional cafes which operated in the old market complex. That does not reflect the council’s intention of providing a varied and healthy selection of food, designed to appeal to the wide-reaching mix of visitors they want to attract.

No detail was given at the meeting about the reasons for calling in a management company, which is due to take over in six months. NMTF spokesman Kieron Knight said: “It is a new company with no track record of success in this area.

“We don’t understand why they are being used, apparently without it being put out to tender. Surely that would be the best way to ensure value for the taxpayer?”

Traders were told that under the terms of the deal, the company will have a 15-year lease.