Stockport Council are inviting residents, businesses and community groups to share their views about Stockport Market. A period if public consultation runs from 7th March – 1st April 2016.
As with many UK towns and cities, Stockport is facing challenges in attracting shoppers as digital channels and competition from surrounding towns and shopping centres present alternative options.
Despite best efforts, the number of people visiting Stockport’s historic market is low.
Councillor Sue Derbyshire, Leader of Stockport Council said: “We are determined that Stockport keeps its markets and they regain the success they once enjoyed. To do that, we need to update the market offer so it attracts more local people. I want to encourage everyone to take the opportunity to have their say on Stockport Market.
“The Council are working hard to ensure that the town’s historic marketplace is home to a thriving, bustling market, making it once again the beating heart of the town. Some of the decisions we have to make are not easy, especially around the Stockport Markets future location, but we are committed to work with traders throughout this.
“I would like to thank all the traders who are working with us to make sure the future of Stockport Market is successful.”
Stockport Council would like to hear about your visits to the market and how you think Stockport Market could be developed for the future. You can have your say online at: www.stockport.gov.uk/haveyoursay
The Stockport Market proposals
The new proposals include the potential relocation of both the indoor and outdoor general goods markets to a new town centre location, closer to Merseyway, where traders can benefit from higher town centre footfall and have an increased profile for their business.
It is proposed that the Covered Market Hall becomes home to a new market offer. This would be focussed on good quality, locally sourced food and drink, to eat in and to take away. The new offer would act as an attraction for the wider Market Place and Underbanks area, and would encourage more people to visit the town, seven days a week, during the day and the evening. The Covered Market Hall symbolises the markets’ heritage in Stockport and these proposals aim to safeguard and build upon this heritage.
Standpoint machines where you can have your say will also be made available at town centre locations over the coming days. The consultation will run until Friday 1stApril 2016.
To give us your views and have your say on Stockport Market please visit www.stockport.gov.uk/haveyoursay
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