York's Newgate Market Could be in for a Make-Over

The City of York Council is asking traders, shoppers and visitors for their initial thoughts on plans to secure a flourishing future for the historic Newgate Market and its contribution to the city’s retail offering.

The Council says this preliminary consultation will involve all traders, including businesses inside and adjacent to the market, working groups and shoppers both local and visiting. They add that it also links to city-wide projects such as Reinvigorate York and Smarter York which are focussing on the appearance and quality of the city.

Dependent on the outcome of the consultation, a bid could be made to the council’s Economic Infrastructure Fund (EIF) which aims to kick-start critical economic infrastructure projects that may not otherwise receive external funding support. If successful, and subject to further consultation on a more refined vision, the visibility and overall appearance of the market could be enhanced in line with an ambitious improvement plan say York City Council.

They add that this consultation outlines the council’s aims and objectives for the market which includes creating extra jobs from increased footfall and contributing to the evening economy with evening markets and extended trading hours. To do so, consultation respondents will be asked about the appearance of the existing market place and how it might be made more inviting and attract a wider range of  businesses.

Councillor Sonja Crisp, cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “York’s market has operated for many hundreds of years and is part of the city centre’s commercial success. Taking part in the consultation will help secure its future and I urge people to come along and give their views.”

The consultation launches today, Monday 22 October. To take part, the Council says, people can visit a mobile exhibition unit at Newgate Market everyday until Sunday 28 October from 9.00 until 4.30pm daily. they add that people can also participate online at www.york.gov.uk or by email at york-markets@york.gov.uk  or write to Darren Lovatt, City of York Council, 5 Silver Street, York YO1 8RY. Adding that all responses must be received by 31 October 2012