An Exciting Opportunity To Improve The Maldon Market
Published on Friday, 17th March 2023
Maldon District Council is looking for a new Market Operator for the weekly Maldon Market. Could you run an exciting, vibrant and sustainable market?
To express your interest, go to www.maldon.gov.uk/concessions
With funding available from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Council is keen to invest in our future Market offer.
The historic Town of Maldon boasts a thriving independent High Street. Rich in history, its streets are clustered with historic listed buildings that lead down to a quay where Thames barges still ply their trade. But this 1000-year-old market town has more to offer than its fascinating past – it’s a prospering community that continues to adapt and thrive.
The High Street hosts a rich mix of 120 independent shops, hospitality, and services. This incredible diversity is appreciated by both residents and visitors, with an 11% rise in high street dwell time since pre-pandemic, and a visitor economy that is twice that of the county average at £220 million.
The Council is seeking individuals or organisations who can take up the Market Charter, first issued by King Henry II in 1171, and return a modern, sustainable, and thriving market to the Town.
Terry Frost, Maldon Market stall holder for 43 years said "Maldon’s friendly and loyal customers make this an excellent opportunity for a new operator to bring an improved offer to our historic Market Town. I look forward to working with them."
The current, and envisaged, location for the Market is Butt Lane Car Park. Providing excellent access for traders and customers, access to utilities and facilities, a safe pedestrian only space (during operation). Markets have historically been held on Thursdays and Saturdays.
The new operator would be required to host one existing and popular stall holder, otherwise the Council is open to new approaches and ideas, and able to provide investment funding that can be used for capital or revenue costs at the discretion of the operator.
A suitable Market operator would:
· Proactively manage a market and all services required for its efficient running
· Responsible for appointing, organising, and managing traders (new and existing)
· Collection of rents, and payment of them to Maldon District Council
· Identify and deliver new, innovative, and sustainable ideas in recognition of the change in the retail sector, markets, and the existing high street offer
· Undertake local marketing and advertising initiatives
· Work with Maldon District Council and other stakeholders
If you are interested in this opportunity; please complete the Expression of Interest form at www.maldon.gov.uk/concessions by 31 March 2023. Following the closing date, all forms received will be reviewed by officers and a follow up meeting offered within two weeks.
-ENDS-
Notes for editors:
This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025.
The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
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