Southwark’s markets to be boosted with improvements

The move to revamp the borough's markets comes as a review shows that the full potential of the markets is not being realised, and that on any one day as many as half of the borough's market stalls lie empty.  

A key aim of the strategy will be to encourage more traders to take up the opportunities offered by markets within the borough.   

Councillor Barrie Hargrove is also revealing that a consultation will begin in October on extending Northcross Road market.  

One central recommendation is to bring all markets in the borough under new legislation (the 1984 Food Act), where they can be more effectively licensed. This would mean established markets are better protected, and any future private markets can be properly vetted.  

There are also recommendations to revise an old rule that forces traders of similar goods to be at least five stalls apart and to re-draw the laws that govern local markets.  

Councillor Barrie Hargrove, cabinet member for environment, transport and recycling said:

"Southwark is home to some of the capital's oldest and most important street markets. With the right kind of investment and support they can be at the heart of an area's transformation.  

"But crucially, we simply can't continue operating the markets as we currently do - there are too many empty stalls, resulting in losses every year, and ultimately the maths don't work."  

"So for me, getting the management of markets right is crucial. And that is why I have decided that the best course of action is to implement this markets plan to invigorate and sustain our markets." 

Notes for editors

View the cabinet report on market improvements

The plans follow a review of markets, which included discussions with traders.  

The review found that almost half of the borough's 400 market stalls are unoccupied on a daily basis, and the central plank of the council's new markets strategy is to encourage new traders. 

Here are some of the key points in the report -  

Markets Playing a Full Part in Regeneration

"The Strategy proposes that this will recognize the importance of existing local markets and how they impact on the local area taking care when proposing new markets to ensure that the correct balance is maintained."  

Thriving & Viable Markets

"(The report proposes) linking traders to business support mechanisms that are available for small businesses and encouraging new business start-ups."  

"The number and type of stalls in any market also needs to complement not compete with the existing retail mix of an area."  

Improving the Public Realm 

"(The report proposes) seeking capital investment to upgrade the market infrastructure and the public realm in and around market areas."  

Greening Southwark's Markets

"We will develop the role street markets have in promoting and engaging with policies on environmental sustainability and becoming sites of good practice." 

Markets as spaces for social interaction

"We will develop street markets that reflect the diversity of Southwark and promote their role as spaces for social interaction and inclusion."