Agenda item

Report from the Assistant Chief Executive.

Recommendations:

1.    That the following recommendations from the review be received:

a)    That face-to-face consultations and clear communication be prioritised in all interactions with vendors and traders.

b)    That the service consult case studies and resources available in the libraries of National Association of British Markets (NABMA) and National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) to inform the redevelopment of Rotherham markets.

c)    That the service re-evaluate the support offer for new vendors, in consultation with the NABMA and NMTF, with a view to encouraging more new vendors to continue trading beyond the six-month introductory period.

d)    In view of relevant expert advice in respect of sustaining a market during redevelopment works, that retaining traders through the redevelopment phase be considered top priority.

e)    That any redesign of markets spaces duly consider usability and aesthetics, consulting market research to optimise spaces for inclusiveness and accessibility, and to make the offer especially attractive to students and young people.

f)      That consideration be given to how the redesign and operation of the markets may best cater to the needs and interests of younger generations by strengthening links with Rotherham College, North Notts College and Dearne Valley College (RNN Group) student populations and extending opportunities to new entrepreneurs through the Young Traders Scheme.

g)    Recognising that the Town Centre markets represent a unique and distinct community of buyers and sellers with its own accompanying needs and character, that consideration be given to the ongoing management resource required to sustain the markets economy successfully over the long term.

h)    That consideration be given to design and development choices that would help the markets to incorporate cashless, up-to-date approaches to commerce that their potential customers expect.

2.    That Cabinet formally consider its response to the above recommendations by February 2022, in accordance with the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules.

Consideration was given to the report which summarised the findings and recommendations from the Improving Places Select Commission spotlight review on 7th June, 2022. The spotlight review examined the recovery and regeneration of the markets in Rotherham Town Centre and a number of recommendations had been made. The recommendations directly for the service were contained in Appendix 1 of the report. Contributing Members were Councillors Atkin, Bennett-Sylvester, T. Collingham, Jones and Wyatt (Chair.)

The aims of this review were to receive information in respect of the following topics pertaining to the Rotherham Town Centre Markets:

·        Introducing and contextualising the markets

·        Describing of the current situation facing the markets

·        Summarising budget and financial arrangements in respect of markets

·        Navigating pandemic-related challenges

·        Redeveloping the markets

·        Engaging with young people

·        Planning for future sustainability

Members’ findings and recommendations centred around 4 areas: Re-evaluating the introductory offer, designing responsively for economic sustainability amid present day budgetary challenges, navigating redevelopment by nurturing relationships, and designing for long term success.

In accordance with the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules, Cabinet was required to consider and respond to the recommendation in no more than 2o months from the date they received the report.

Resolved:-

1.    That the following recommendations from the review be received:

a.    That face-to-face consultations and clear communication be prioritised in all interactions with vendors and traders.

b.    That the Service consult case studies and resources available in the libraries of National Association of British Markets (NABMA) and National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) to inform the redevelopment of Rotherham markets.

c.     That the Service re-evaluate the support offer for new vendors, in consultation with the NABMA and NMTF, with a view to encouraging more new vendors to continue trading beyond the 6 months introductory period.

d.    In view of relevant expert advice in respect of sustaining a market during redevelopment works, that retaining traders through the redevelopment phase be considered top priority.

e.    That any redesign of market spaces duly considers usability and aesthetics, consulting market research to optimise spaces for inclusiveness and accessibility, and to make the offer especially attractive to students and young people.

f.      That consideration be given to how the redesign and operation of the markets may best cater to the needs and interests of younger generations by strengthening links with Rotherham College, North Notts College and Dearne Valley College (RNN Group) student populations and extending opportunities to new entrepreneurs through the Young Traders Scheme.

g.    Recognising that the Town Centre markets represent a unique and distinct community of buyers and sellers with its own accompanying needs and character, that consideration be given to the ongoing management resource required to sustain the markets economy successfully over the long term.

h.    That consideration be given to design and development choices that would help the markets to incorporate cashless, up-to-date approaches to commerce that their potential customers expect.

2.    That Cabinet formally consider its response to the above recommendations by February 2023, in accordance with the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules.