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News

New Town Centre Market for Poole

From Easter next year, residents and visitors to Poole will be able to enjoy a weekly general market in the town centre.

Poole Town Centre Management Board has been given permission, by the Borough of Poole, to introduce a weekly general market on a 12-month trial basis. The proposed location of the market will be decided, subject to Highways and Planning regulations being met.

Helen Crawford, Poole’s Town Centre Manager, recently carried out a review of weekly town centre markets, visiting other towns in Dorset, Devon and Hampshire. Her research shows that a regular weekly market trading within, or very near to, High Streets is a major attraction in towns of Poole’s size and adds a much needed vitality for the shoppers’ enjoyment.

Helen said: "Markets have faced a tough time in the last 10 years with the success of budget retailers, both out of town and within the town centre. Market traders have adapted accordingly and made themselves into more professional retail operations in order to make a decent living. Research into markets in neighbouring towns has shown that where markets have been relocated or introduced, there has been a major positive effect in the numbers of shoppers coming into the town. Poole now has the advantage of introducing, from scratch, a tailor-made market which fits in with our town’s needs."

Through the summer months, there has been a temporary weekly market trading each Friday from the area outside Sainsburys. In order to ensure a longer term future, the Borough of Poole has carried out a major review of its Market Policy.

Bernie Topham, Policy Director for the Borough of Poole, said: "Poole Town Centre enjoys successful one off events like the French Street and Farmers’ Markets and this year we will be introducing Continental Christmas Markets to add to the vibrancy of the town centre. We need to build on these and it is important that we think very carefully about which operator, the type of products sold, the trading day of the week and where it will be located. A weekly market has to survive in the long-term and has to benefit both retailers and the general public. As a draw in its own right it will increase the attractiveness of the town centre."

Residents of Poole, through the Poole Opinion Panel, were canvassed and they supported a weekly general market with an overwhelming 77%. All retailers and local businesses were consulted and the survey resulted in almost 88% in favour of bringing in a market.

Roger Boyce, Chairman of the Poole Town Centre Management Board is keen that the market be a high quality one, which brings in a positive vibe to the town centre. He said: "A few independent retailers have been concerned that a market will compete with products they already offer. We feel that the market, in the right location, will draw people to an otherwise quieter shopping section of the High Street so that shoppers can discover what existing retailers have on offer. As this is a trial for 12 months, we have an opportunity to be flexible and work with the market traders to make sure any problems are ironed out."

Councillor Ron Parker, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Local Economy, Borough of Poole, said: "I am extremely enthusiastic about the introduction of a quality weekly market in Poole Town Centre. Having a market is part of Poole’s rich heritage and will bring additional vitality to the town centre, whilst also increasing activity between the Dolphin Centre and Poole Quay."

Poole Town Centre Management, tel: (01202) 649433 or Ruth Lawson, PR Officer (Media), Borough of Poole, tel: (01202) 633295