Issue - meetings

In compliance to COVID-19 Regulations, the Ramsgate market was relocated in June 2020 to allow for safe social distancing which would not have been feasible in its long-standing position on the junctions of Queen Street and King Street. This was because of the need to provide queuing spaces in front of each commercial unit whilst still allowing for pedestrian thoroughfare.

As an alternative, Staffordshire Car Park was proposed and intended to provide a market facility on a Friday and Saturday. There were, however, no traders willing to attend on a Saturday. The trial period was for four weeks and it required the suspension of car parking in part, and temporarily relocating the disabled parking bays throughout the remaining car park.

The trial market was widely advertised through posters, leaflets, banners, social media and newspaper articles. The early stages of the trial identified a significant decrease in traders willing to participate in the market, with no traders willing to attend on Saturdays. The low numbers of traders and low income generated left the market operator prepared to cease trading. Alternative locations for the market have been considered, but they would not comply with existing COVID restrictions.

Cabinet considered the outcome of the market trial month at Staffordshire Street Car Park, Ramsgate and recommendations for future dispositions.

The Leader of Council said that Cabinet recognised the importance of the market to Ramsgate. He further said that this was the right decision which would be discussed with Ramsgate Town Council.

Councillor Duckworth proposed, Councillor Everitt seconded and Cabinet agreed the following:

1. To agree to cease the current arrangement, and procure a new market operator that will operate capably, maximising the benefits for the market traders, consumers and the wider community;
2. To agree to market proposals for the market under the “Canterbury model” outlined in  paragraph 2.2 of the report;
3. To give delegated authority to the Director of Estates, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Estates and Economic Development, to choose an appropriate operator following the procurement exercise and enter into the relevant Agreement(s) with them, on terms to be agreed;
4. To give delegated authority to the Director of Estates to agree the Heads of Terms for the Agreement(s) under which the new operator will operate.