Decision details

The Chair invited David Fordham, Service Manager, Service Trading Standards, Jan Tucker, Chair of Archway Traders Association and Christine Lovett, CEO of Angel’s  Business Improvement Bid (BID) to address the Committee on their experiences, challenges and future prospects within the retail areas in Islington.

During consideration of this item the following points were raised -

·         Members were informed about the draft street trading strategy which lists  key things the Council aims to achieve in the next 5 years

·         Members were advised that the value of revitalising and keeping the markets alive, providing local jobs for local people and meeting environmental sustainable objectives was the stimulus for action
 

·         That the strategy aims to create a dynamic street trading and market experience suitable for residents and businesses

·         Members agreed that as shopping habits of members of the public had changed over the years, street markets would have to adapt to this new trend.

·         There are a number of challenges facing Street Trading and include lack of infrastructure regarding the removal of waste, parking issues on market site attracting new traders and retaining the existing traders.

·         Members were advised that the Council aims to raise the profile of  street markets and would promoting street markets in the Time Out Magazine in May 2017 called ‘ love your market’ 

·         A recognition that street markets still had a vital place within the community not only with the residents but businesses in its vicinity so the regeneration of the market was essential to provide future opportunities.

·          Members were informed that street markets would be encouraged to introduce different themes on market days as it was noticeable that the existence of farmers markets had resulted in increase in trading and footfall  especially visitors

·         Members were advised that most authorities in the country were experiencing similar issues on managing street markets and that the decline of traditional street markets was due to a number of factors such as competition from other forms of retail, lack of investment or vision by the local authorities and changing demographics .

·         A Member enquired if the loss of vibrancy of street markets was due to the prevalence of food stalls competing with the shops especially as businesses pay rates and charges.  The Service Manager, Service Trading Standards advised that it had not been raised as an issue, however the Council be looking at ways of assisting or supporting such businesses

·         With regards to the cost of hiring stalls and pitches and the revenue derived by the Council, the Service Manager, Service Trading Standards advised that Council charges £60 per week, the lowest in comparison to other neighbouring authorities and cheaper than markets that are located on private land.  On the issue of revenue, Members were advised that any revenues received would be ring fenced. 

·         A Member enquired whether the Council offered support such as mentoring/training for new stall holders with a view to helping the stall holders move into retail shops .

·         A Member enquired if Officers were aware of a financial incentive being offered to stall holders in Crystal Palace where they were being charged a percentage of their daily takings. The Service Manager, Service Trading Standards Street indicated that he would look into this payment scheme, but reminded Members that  LBI charges were presently the lowest in comparison to other authorities.

·          Christian Lovett welcomed the Council’s strategic approach to street trading, stating that the success of the farmer’s market in Chapel Street was due to the difficult and bold decisions taken by the Council and such difficult decision should continue to be applied to parking concerns around the markets.

·          Jan Tucker highlighted the parking issues around the Archway square especially with the relocation of Archway market. Jan Tucker indicated that business was picking up in the private market and it was noticeable that shops were flourishing.  She also suggested that Markets should be encouraged to introduce theme days such as Antique and Craft activities within the markets, activities that have resulted in an increase of foot fall in the market.

·         The Council should continue taking difficult decisions on issues such as business rates, employment opportunities for Islington residents and parking challenges in and around the market without impacting the traditional nature of the street markets. Christian Lovell welcomed regenerating retail areas but it was important that well known markets such as Chapel Market not lose its original identity. Reference was made to neighbouring markets such as in Camden Lock where most of the stalls are now privately owned and although regarded as successful, the view was expressed that it had lost its traditional nature.

·         A Member suggested that consideration should be given to businesses such as One pound shops and Charity shops taking up empty spaces as these businesses do attract people into the area.

·         The Executive Member for Economic Development noted that in defining the purpose of growth, it was important to ensure that whatever changes are introduced that it benefits everyone, resident and businesses in the neighbourhood. She also advised that  private markets results in money out flow of the borough as most of the stall holders were not residents

·         A Member suggested that in situations where there were empty spaces above shops, consideration should be given to using the rooms for culture or exhibition events. Also she noted that in terms of regenerating the retail areas, Officers should look into tapping into some of the healthy scheme initiatives promoted by the Office of the Mayor of London on walking, cycling and supporting less traffic. Also Healthy Street Schemes was mentioned with funds for provision of street benches.

·         A Member added that markets were vital to the local community as it brings people into the area and that the relationship between shops and street market traders are symbiotic. He also noted that without parking spaces street markets would struggle.

·         In response to parking concerns the Service Manager Street/ Trading Standards acknowledged that parking was an issue around markets however the council was involved in a project looking at the issue and would provide an update to the Committee in the next month. 

It was RESOLVED that

1.      The Service Director Planning and Development circulate to Members of the Committee documents relating to the Healthy Street Scheme.

The Chair thanked David Fordham, Jan Tucker and Christine Lovett for attending.