A new proposal on the future of Allenton Market will be discussed by Councillors at July’s Cabinet meeting.
Allenton Market is a traditional open-air market with around 90 stalls and is currently open for trading on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday each week, however the changing retail offer in Derby has meant that some traders have had to step away from their stalls due to dwindling footfall of customers. The market has been making a loss since 2013.
The Cabinet report sets out a proposal to consult with local communities and traders about the future of the market, including the potential closure of the site. There will also be an opportunity for traders and local community groups to put forward viable proposals for managing the market.
Councillor Mick Barker, Cabinet Member for Governance and Licensing said:
This strategy will be the first steps in reviewing Allenton Market, to understand why the market is continually making losses and what we can do to make the most of this asset. This proposal will give us the opportunity to understand what is best for the market in the future and with consultation with traders and community groups we hope that the market can be run on a voluntary community basis. No one wants markets to fail, as they’re the social hub of a neighbourhood, therefore this is an opportunity for the community to rise to the challenge.
The market has operated from its Osmaston Road site since 1961.
Cabinet will be asked to approve the new strategy at Council Cabinet on Wednesday 17th July.