Decision on Lancaster Market

Resolution from Council meeting 31 March 2010 regarding the future of Lancaster Market.

A public report detailing the findings of the Cabinet Working Group set up to consider the future of Lancaster Indoor Market was discussed at a meeting of Full Council last night (31 March 2010).

The following three options had been produced for consideration:

• Single retailer
• Market traders’ proposal
• Refurbishing the existing market

The resolution was as follows:

Council notes that the Council has been unable to secure a single tenant to its satisfaction since January 2008 and also that the option of a market on one floor is expensive in terms of capital costs and has many legal difficulties. Council also notes the desirability of a thriving indoor market in terms of employment and service to the district.

Council therefore resolves:

(1) That the City Council renews all existing tenancy agreements in accordance with the landlord and tenant act.

(2) That the City Council endeavours to negotiate by agreement an amendment to the terms and conditions which would permit the City Council to consider any plans to refurbish the market hall.

(3) That a sum of £150,000 is set aside that can be used for professional advice on running a successful market and on potential costs of refurbishment. However, money spent on consultants should be kept to the minimum possible.

(4) That the option to tax the market should be re-affirmed, should this be necessary, to protect the Council from any VAT liability on any of the proposed capital works.

(5) That a working group of councillors from all groups be set up to oversee plans for refurbishment and revitalisation of the market. That this working group gets expert advice and considers visiting other successful indoor markets.

(6) That this working group to report back to cabinet at key points.

(7) That the Council looks at all options in terms of reducing the overheads of the market and on the staff needed to make Lancaster market more successful.

(8) That the working group considers the advantages of licenses/tenancies for new businesses in the market.

(9) That the working group considers options such as making the market more food-based (particularly local food), attracting key businesses, such as a bakery, and marketing the market as a visitor attraction for the city centre.

Date Updated: 01/04/10