Date Published: 16 October 2019
Starting on 19 October, Colchester Charter Market will begin a trial of hosting its Saturday market in Lion Walk, Colchester.
A dozen stalls will take up the first opportunity to trial the new location this weekend, which will cover the area around Culver Street East and will operate from 9am to 5pm.
Friday’s market will continue to operate in the High Street as usual.
The decision to trial alternative town centre locations for the Saturday market is part of a number of changes which have been agreed to enhance the market. Other agreed changes to the Charter Market include:
- Allowing stall holders to use their own stalls providing they meet appropriate safety requirements.
- Reducing the Colchester High Street Market Pitch to £25 per pitch and offering special offers for pitches when relevant.
- Consulting on the introduction of an additional Market Day on Wednesdays in the future
Councillor Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “High street traders continue to face unprecedented pressures from online shopping, changing customer tastes and tighter household budgets, and Colchester Market is no exception.
“Following extensive consultation with market traders who support the new arrangements – particularly the proposals for extra weekday trading and alternative locations on Saturdays – we hope to redress some of the low-occupancy levels seen in recent months.
“Markets need to evolve to thrive and we want the market to be an asset to Colchester and we’re delighted to be able to work with and trial the Saturday Market in Lion Walk Shopping Centre.”
Councillor Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: “I’m really pleased to see the Market trial happening in Lion Walk, we’re really committed to ensuring the Market thrives and it’s an exciting time for the Market and town centre.”
Martin Leatherdale, Lion Walk Shopping Centre Manager, said “We’re thrilled to host this trial. Over the last few years there has been a renewed enthusiasm for markets, largely owing to their great value and choice, not to mention the social aspect they bring. We’re looking forward to supporting Colchester Market and I will harness our full scale support and expertise to see it grow and thrive. It’s very humbling to be part of this heritage and support local independent traders and families. For those interested in joining the market please reach out to hello@lionwalk.co.uk or market@colchester.gov.uk”.
To find out more about Colchester Market, visit www.colchester.gov.uk/markets, like its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ColchMarket or follow its Twitter and Instagram accounts: @colchmarket
Page last reviewed: 17 October 2019