Agenda item

Presentation by Director, Market Asset Management (Darlington) Ltd.

The Director, Market Asset Management (Darlington) Ltd gave a presentation to update Members on progress made to date on the Indoor and Outdoor Market.

The presentation highlighted that MAM had a 99 year lease in partnership with Darlington Borough Council; were obligated to undertake structural repairs and modernisation work; were providing support to Darlington Borough Council to secure the Future High Street Fund; and detailed the proposed developments for the Indoor Market including a temperate garden; market vaults for dining; an enterprise haven for start-up businesses; and farmgate facilities for local growers.

Members were advised of the current challenges; that better utilisation of the market was needed with longer trading hours and a greater variety of businesses to ensure Darlington’s offer was different to other local towns; and details were provided of the programme of work and progress made to date.

A discussion ensued on the opening times of the market and Members were advised of the plans for the market to be open on a Sunday. Members were assured that the new building design would allow independent trading; and noted the intention to relocate the Outdoor Market to the Outdoor Market Place, taking into consideration the extensive events programme that was in place.

Members raised concerns in respect of reparation work being undertaken by traders; it was confirmed that short term roofing repairs were completed; further work would be undertaken in January 2020; and appropriate access would be put in place to allow roof maintenance.

Concern was also raised in respect of the number of traders closing their stalls however Members were assured that the priority was to maintain the current stall holders. It was highlighted that whilst Darlington had a wide range of independent businesses, investment was required to modernise the stalls which, along with the creation of an enterprise haven, would encourage new businesses.

RESOLVED – That the presentation be noted.