Winchester City Council announces revamp plans for local street market
The plans focus on introducing events and themed markets to bolster start-up businesses
Winchester City Councillors have set out ways to revamp the local street market, with a focus on introducing events and themed markets to bolster startup businesses.
During a recent council meeting, council bosses greenlit the new Winchester City Street Market Operating Policy and agreed to invite operators to bid for a fresh three-year contract.
Councillor Lucille Thompson, cabinet member for business and culture said: “An attractive market is really important to our high street not only for the traders but also for our shops, driving footfall and improving dwelltime and helping to make our high street vibrant and busy and offering a great first entry for many small businesses.
“The current markets contract ran out several years ago and it is now time that we re-tender the contract and align the operation of our street markets with the priorities outlined in our council plan.”
A report from The Retail Group last year made recommendations to improve the market, including diversifying products, introducing early evening markets, and creating themes catering to youth, startups, and local producers.
The report also highlighted the need for enhanced signage, branding, and the inclusion of street events to attract a younger demographic.
Cllr Thompson added that it’s “exciting” to ensure that these recommendations are reflected in the new contract and operating policy.
She also told members that other council committees and public forums “raised similar issues namely the variety of goods on offer and the safety aspect of the market’s operation.
“For some the attractiveness of the market is about the opportunity to pick up a bargain – for others, it’s about the excitement about the variety of goods on offer and the buzzing nature that markets quite often bring to an area.”
In summary, Cllr Martin Tod, the leader of the council said: “One of the things that’s often exciting about the market is that people that start as stalls end up expanding, growing and becoming permanent businesses with a site in the city – I hope that will continue.”