Investing in the Future of Markets Case Study: Leicester Market Presented by Shaun Miles Head of Markets, Leicester City Council Adam Parker Associate Director, Greig and Stephenson Architects

Recent and ongoing investment Exciting to see Local Authorities are recognising the importance of markets to the vitality and experience that can be offered to Town and City Centres Walthamstow market Preston market Leicester Food Hall Birmingham market John Street Market, Bradford Scarborough market Sheffield market

Investment in people and places - markets as catalysts important to consider the market as an integral part to the town and city retail circuits, complimenting surrounding offers and contributing to a richness of place.

Key drivers for the masterplan  Improve market facilities so that they provide a more contemporary retail environment – compliment surrounding  Re-provide key market operational facilities  Attract a broader spectrum of customer through lifting the offer and providing more variety  Allow opportunity for more evening economy  Improve appreciation of prominent conservation area  Encourage investment in the surrounding area  Key city centre destination

Leicester Market as key retail anchor in the city

Leicester Market in City Centre context

Phase 1: Summer 2012 – Spring 2014 Completed Food Hall Trader storage Public Toilets and Market Office facilities Dry goods lock-ups

Phase 2: Summer 2015 – Spring 2017 New public realm

Phase 2B: Spring Christmas Refurbishment of Corn Exchange + ‘screen wall’

Phase 3: Summer 2017 (12 months) Remainder of public realm and refurbishment of outdoor market

Recognition so far  Winner Britain's Best Food Market NABMA  Winner Civic Society Awards for architecture  Finalist in the Pro-Con Regeneration awards  Highly commended in the East Midlands Small Commercial Building Awards  Finalist for Best Place - Urbanism Awards

What's happening now Demolition of the old indoor market

What's happening now Construction of a new public realm – Flexible space

What's happening now Consultation with operators to develop an activity programme for the new square – market’s are key

What we Know about Leicester Market  Strong fruit and veg core – heart of the market  Weak edges - some poor quality some very good  70% occupancy = England national average  Loyal customer base - but mostly low income and 50 + age group  Shortage of trader storage  Lost customer service point on site  Congested routes in some parts - some visual blocks  Similar offer Mon to Sat - not much specialist  Cleaning issues and clutter – a clear priority from feedback  Concern about access and parking  Wider environment appears poorly looked after

What people said… responses 54 traders (around 2/3) 274 shoppers 81 non shoppers Traders and customers have different emphasis of priorities but also have considerable common feedback Key feedback: cleaning, clutter, congestion and weather protection were the main things that were raised in the surveys

What we propose … To Relocate units to North edge

What we propose … create new flexible space

What we propose … Better routes to food hall & access in and around the market

What we propose … New trader storage

What we propose … New recycling and waste handling facilities

What we propose … a new customer service point including click and collect

What we propose … trader lock-ups around perimeter

What we propose … Provide new LED lighting Clean and paint Provide clear and improved signage Secure market at night via a shuttered solution and re-clad the existing perimeter canopy Refurbish stalls

Challenges – so far  Changes in the scope and scale  Timescales - 3 ½ years so far another 2 years to go  Managing traders –”what is happening to my stall question”  Phasing of work - great food hall - now located in an area facing significant disruption  Projecting income forecasts - for Phase 3  Preparing traders for a change in the way we operate

Operational Benefits  Cleaner market place  Protects the area and investment  Potential for admission events – a night time economy  When all areas are active – approx. 250 stalls/trading spaces  Unlocks space for specialist market’s and hot food  Reconnects the main market area with retailers to the old town - RIII

Operational Benefits Reconnect with the traders

Next: Leicester Market Masterplan fly-through