Green Party Call to Protect Moor Market

30th January 200

Green Party councillors have called on the Council to make a clear commitment to include both an Indoor and an Outdoor Market in the redeveloped Moor area of the City centre. The report going to Cabinet on Wednesday 30th January recommends that no deal is signed until arrangements for an Indoor Market have been finalised, but it does not promise to retain an Outdoor Market.

Cllr Jillian Creasy, whose ward includes both the Castle and Moor Markets, says, “The report only says that “Artisan (the new owners) have agreed to work with the Council to try and accommodate an Outdoor Market within the Moor Estate.” We believe that a regular Outdoor Market is a vital part of the city’s economy and we don’t want the deal to proceed until there is a clear commitment to both and Indoor and an Outdoor Market on the Moor.”

George Glover, chair of the Outdoor Market traders said, “The report refers to an Outdoor Market on the “Moor Estate.” That could mean the roof of the multi-storey carpark or a corner of Wickes carpark. We can provide a high quality market on the main pedestrian route through the Moor which will attract shoppers into the area.”

Phil Bartram, another well established Outdoor Market trader, said “We have been promised time and time again by the leader and cabinet members that they will keep us informed. They haven’t so much as let us know about this report or what it means for us.”

The Cabinet report recommends that the Council transfer the leasehold of the Moor Estate from RREEF, the current owners, to Artisan, a Manchester based development company.

ENDS

For more information, contact Kathy Aston , Press Officer;

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