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Press Release

The future of the Market has been the subject of some speculation for the last few months, and following a series of meetings between Watford Borough Council and the Market Traders, the Council has issued the following press release:-

Working together towards an improved Watford Market

The Watford Market Working Group, made up of the Mayor, the new Managing Director of Watford Borough Council; council officers, councillors and market traders, met for the first time earlier this month and agreed a the way forward for the next 12 months.

Manny Lewis, MD of Watford Borough Council, said: “We have taken the first positive step to a new and improved market, and I am confident about the recommendations we have made so far. I think the timeframe for the work involved is realistic, however we will try to complete the programme sooner if possible of course.”

The first phase would review the current performance of the market as well as rents, costs, trading days and improvements to Charter Place. These issues were discussed at the first working group meeting on 1 October, with a progress report going to Cabinet on 2 November.

During the second phase, the working group would visit other markets and identify options for an indoor - outdoor market.

Grant Adams, Vice Chair of the Market Traders Association, said: "The market traders feel very positive about the redevelopment involving a new and improved Indoor market. It is vital Watford does not become another faceless town and we believe a modern market place will help achieve this. We understand the need for change and some extra trading days, but firmly believe that we must maintain our identity and not become a group of independent shops. We are looking forward to viewing other markets and coming up with some viable options”.

During the third phase it was anticipated that the council would be close to appointing a developer for Charter Place. This would involve consultation between the council, the developer and the market traders culminating in a report on a preferred option being taken to Cabinet in June 2010.

Following this phase, there would be a full public consultation, with a final report going to Cabinet in September 2010. It is hoped that works would then take place between October 2010 and March 2011.

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: “We have big ambitions for the Charter Place redevelopment. It needs to be something special, so we can compete with new centres such as Westfield at Shepherd's Bush. It also means that the type of indoor market currently offered at Charter Place is unsustainable. I am pleased that everyone at the market group was clear that any future indoor -outdoor market provision has to be of high quality and trade for at least five days a week.”

Market traders have agreed to trial an increase to four day a week trading from 26 November to 2 January 2010 with a review at the end of this period. If successful, the market will re-commence the trial in the spring.

Angela Farrance
Communications Officer
Watford Borough Council

WATFORD MARKET

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