Council’s Newgate Market income drops by £65k in two years

1:20pm Friday 5th September 2008

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THE declining appeal of outdoor markets has been blamed for a £65,000 loss in income at City of York Council.

Savings have been found to offset the damage to the council’s budget, but the authority’s markets department is still on course for a deficit of £54,000 this year.

Calls have been made for improvements to Newgate Market to help pull people in, such as better lighting and more “welcome” signs.

In a report to councillors, finance manager Patrick Looker blamed the “significant decline” nationally in the popularity of open markets.

“Members will be aware that over the last two financial years there has been a shortfall in income following reductions in stall take-up of £65k,” he wrote.

The loss continues to be made, he said, “in spite of a range of new initiatives designed to increase trading”.

“This shortfall has been partly offset by miscellaneous income and a restructure of the staffing arrangements for the markets which is to be effective from October 2008.”

Further measures were being considered, he added.

Earlier this year York’s Newgate Market staged an awareness day in a bid to raise its profile.

Self-employed engineer Phil Crowder, of Haxby, was involved in constructing the market and still has a keen interest in its future.

“I think York is in a better position than any other market in the country – right in the centre,” he said. “But it is about how it is presented and accessed and looked upon by residents that counts. If residents feel the market is too traditional and the goods are not what they want, traders have to adapt, as many have.”

However, he said lighting around various access points from Shambles could be better and he called for stalls to be sited in Silver Street to draw people in to the market.

A council spokeswoman said: “Newgate Market is a vital part of York’s city centre retail offer. The council has been working with traders to try to maximise the market’s potential. Work has included developing a Customer Charter designed to explain and protect customers’ rights.

“We are also restructuring the market’s management framework to ensure city centre events co-ordinate fully with, and complement, Newgate Market.

“We will continue to investigate ways of improving Newgate Market over the coming months.”

Gillian Cruddas, Visit York chief executive, said: “York’s market is a vital component of our shopping offer for visitors and is one of the brightest and best daily open air markets in the north of England. It’s a crucial part of what we have to offer for visitors on a shopping break to the city.”