News: Rotherham street traders move back to market hall site as indoor traders report drop in footfall
Some traders on the outdoor market that have temporarily been using the main streets in Rotherham town centre have moved back to the markets site as regeneration work progresses.
Indoor traders in the new Market Hall are hoping that it will boost footfall in the area following a slow summer.
Rotherham outdoor market relocated from the outdoor covered market to Effingham Street in 2023 as works progressed on the regeneration of Rotherham Markets.
As part of the £46.844m scheme, traders from the old indoor market have moved temporarily into the New Market Hall until the work on the indoor market is complete (previously scheduled for Autumn 2027). When these traders move back into their revamped home, street traders are due to make use of the new Market Hall.
Operator, Rotherham Council, has now made the decision to move the Monday and Friday general market from the street onto the public space around the Rotherham Market Hall.
As part of the works, a new public realm area has been created between the market and Eastwood Lane and the college campus.
It is not yet known if the general outdoor market on a Saturday, Tuesday street market, Wednesday Antiques & bric-a-brac market, or Rotherham Bazaar on a Thursday, will follow.
Rotherham MP, Sarah Champion recently visited stall holders trading temporarily in the new Market Hall to discuss issues impacting their businesses.
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Having raised the issues with Rotherham Council, the authority admitted that traders and visitors had faced "temporary challenges" as the construction work on the new library and indoor market continues around the new Market Hall.
In reply to the MP, John Edwards, chief executive of Rotherham Council, said: "We are aware that traders have raised concerns regarding footfall in recent weeks. A number of factors are likely to have contributed to this, including the summer closure of the College and the exceptionally hot weather experienced during the period. However, we recognise that accessibility issues and ongoing construction activity may also have had an impact. We continue to monitor visitor numbers and work proactively to support traders and increase market activity.
"The Council is actively promoting the market through a programme of marketing, events, wayfinding improvements, and town-centre promotional activity designed to increase visitor numbers and encourage repeat visits. These initiatives have been developed in partnership with traders to ensure they respond to the needs of businesses and help maximise customer engagement and footfall."
On accessibility, Edwards acknowledged that there had been issues with the lift accessed via Henry Street which had experienced "a number of operational issues in recent weeks" that have since been addressed by the contractors.
Edwards added: "To further improve accessibility, a platform lift will also be installed within the public realm area. Unfortunately, manufacturing delays meant that this could not be installed before the market opened, however the Council continues to work closely with the contractor to deliver this improvement as soon as possible."
Work has recently completed on the signalised crossing linking the markets with Drummond Street car park. Temporary traffic lights had been causing traffic issues in the area.
The council is also considering extending its rent free period for traders "in recognition that some temporary challenges remain."
Rothbiz reported in May on the authority's support for traders involved.
Edwards concluded: "We remain confident that, once the remaining accessibility and public realm improvements are complete, the new market will provide a high-quality, accessible, and sustainable destination that supports both traders and visitors. We will continue to work closely with traders to ensure that the market achieves its full potential as a key part of Rotherham town centre's regeneration."
Images: RMBC
Indoor traders in the new Market Hall are hoping that it will boost footfall in the area following a slow summer.
Rotherham outdoor market relocated from the outdoor covered market to Effingham Street in 2023 as works progressed on the regeneration of Rotherham Markets.
As part of the £46.844m scheme, traders from the old indoor market have moved temporarily into the New Market Hall until the work on the indoor market is complete (previously scheduled for Autumn 2027). When these traders move back into their revamped home, street traders are due to make use of the new Market Hall.
Operator, Rotherham Council, has now made the decision to move the Monday and Friday general market from the street onto the public space around the Rotherham Market Hall.
As part of the works, a new public realm area has been created between the market and Eastwood Lane and the college campus.
It is not yet known if the general outdoor market on a Saturday, Tuesday street market, Wednesday Antiques & bric-a-brac market, or Rotherham Bazaar on a Thursday, will follow.
Rotherham MP, Sarah Champion recently visited stall holders trading temporarily in the new Market Hall to discuss issues impacting their businesses.
Advertisement
Having raised the issues with Rotherham Council, the authority admitted that traders and visitors had faced "temporary challenges" as the construction work on the new library and indoor market continues around the new Market Hall.
In reply to the MP, John Edwards, chief executive of Rotherham Council, said: "We are aware that traders have raised concerns regarding footfall in recent weeks. A number of factors are likely to have contributed to this, including the summer closure of the College and the exceptionally hot weather experienced during the period. However, we recognise that accessibility issues and ongoing construction activity may also have had an impact. We continue to monitor visitor numbers and work proactively to support traders and increase market activity.
"The Council is actively promoting the market through a programme of marketing, events, wayfinding improvements, and town-centre promotional activity designed to increase visitor numbers and encourage repeat visits. These initiatives have been developed in partnership with traders to ensure they respond to the needs of businesses and help maximise customer engagement and footfall."
Edwards added: "To further improve accessibility, a platform lift will also be installed within the public realm area. Unfortunately, manufacturing delays meant that this could not be installed before the market opened, however the Council continues to work closely with the contractor to deliver this improvement as soon as possible."
Work has recently completed on the signalised crossing linking the markets with Drummond Street car park. Temporary traffic lights had been causing traffic issues in the area.
The council is also considering extending its rent free period for traders "in recognition that some temporary challenges remain."
Rothbiz reported in May on the authority's support for traders involved.
Edwards concluded: "We remain confident that, once the remaining accessibility and public realm improvements are complete, the new market will provide a high-quality, accessible, and sustainable destination that supports both traders and visitors. We will continue to work closely with traders to ensure that the market achieves its full potential as a key part of Rotherham town centre's regeneration."
Images: RMBC
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