Agenda item

(A report by Phil Perry, Assistant Director - Culture and Leisure)

The Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Dale Broughton, presented a report by the Assistant Director – Culture & Leisure which provided an update on the Boston Market Development Plan, originally agreed at Cabinet on 27^th March 2024. The report outlined progress made during the first year of delivery and highlighted a number of key developments. The report provided an update on the four key objectives within the Boston Markets Development/Action plan, attached as Appendix 1, and an overview on how Boston’s regular Wednesday and Saturday markets had been performing.

Councillor Broughton outlined the progress made during the first year of implementation and highlighted several key developments:

·       Revised market and severe weather policies had been adopted from April 2025.

·       Market fees had been reduced across various categories to support trader engagement.

·       A successful capital funding bid of £47,750 had enabled the purchase of a new market vehicle, gazebos, and equipment.

·       Operational efficiencies had been achieved through a service review, resulting in a new store erector team and reduced contracted hours.

·       Debt recovery measures had been implemented for non-compliant traders.

·       Road closures had been introduced for Saturday markets, with consultations ongoing for Wednesday closures.

·       New events, including the Makers and Farmers Markets, had been launched and were proving successful.

·       Market occupancy had significantly improved, with near-full capacity achieved at recent events.

·       Social media engagement had increased, with the Facebook page surpassing 3,000 followers.

·       Promotional materials and branding had been refreshed, contributing to a more professional market appearance.

·       The Market Action Plan remained a live document, with 9 of 13 actions completed, 2 on target, and 2 requiring further work.

Members discussed the report and commented as follows:

·       The report and the work of the Markets Team were widely praised for their thoroughness and positive impact.

·       Members noted visible improvements in the market’s appearance and atmosphere, particularly during the Makers and Farmers Markets.

·       The increase in social media engagement and the revamped Facebook page were highlighted as key contributors to public awareness and footfall.

·       It was acknowledged that market occupancy had improved, with a recent event nearly reaching full capacity.

·       A question was raised regarding the target occupancy rate; it was clarified that while 100% was ideal, 70–80% was a realistic and positive goal.

·       The issue of footfall monitoring was discussed, with confirmation that new data collection methods were being explored to better understand visitor numbers.

·       The availability of free stalls for charities was discussed, with confirmation that this was being actively promoted and that a designated charity market day was planned.

·       Feedback from traders was generally positive, with most welcoming the changes and improvements, although it was acknowledged that not all were satisfied.

·       The potential for introducing a continental market was raised. It was confirmed that the Council remained open to external event proposals.

·       The integration of markets with local events and the broader benefits to town centre businesses were noted.

·       A technical query regarding the compatibility of the new payment system (Pay360) with existing systems was raised, with a written response to be provided.

·       The importance of continuing to build on recent successes and maintaining momentum was emphasised.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Dale Broughton and seconded by Councillor Sandeep Ghosh.

Resolved:

That the progress made to date against the commitments set out within the Boston Market Development/Action Plan be noted.