Issue - meetings

Report DRR18/006

In March 2017, the Executive had approved the designs and costings for the next phase of the Bromley Town Centre improvement and plans to reorganise, rebrand and relocate the existing market as part of those improvement works.  In November 2017, the Executive agreed funding for capital costs in regard to the original kiosk and pop-up stall design.

In November 2017, the Renewal and Recreation PDS Committee agreed that the Bromley Market Consultative Panel should be further engaged to feed into the market redesign. 

This report provided Members with an update on progress achieved following feedback from the market traders and outlined alternative costed options together with a recommendation on the revised number of stalls and semi-permanent kiosks. Quarterbridge had been commissioned to develop the Bromley Market brand and set up a new website. The existing traders would be able to use the new kiosks; eleven expressions of interest had been received for the permanent kiosks, but there had been only four firm commitments. Careful thought would need to be given to the positioning of food stalls in view of the potential impact on other retailers.

The Chairman informed the Committee that he had spoken to a number of the traders and they considered that the Council’s consultation was more effective.

A Member suggested that some form of decorative metal archway/entrance feature should be considered for the Market. Another Member asked whether there had been any consultation with blind and partially sighted groups. Officers confirmed that they had been consulted by the Design Team; the design was intended to remove clutter and provide a well-defined line of kiosks, a clear fire path and easy access to the shops.  

There was not yet a firm date for the completion of the project, but Members suggested that a formal opening by the Mayor should be arranged.

RESOLVED that the report be noted and Members’ comments be made available to a meeting of the Executive on 7 February 2018, including the Committee’s support for Option C.