Market 'must adapt and change to secure its long-term future'

There is increasing evidence that some traders are struggling and the problems cannot simply be attributed to the economic downturn, the report warns.

The market's problems, including a reduction in visitors, reflect a historic decline in the market's traditional role as a key retail destination.

Councillors on a special scrutiny committee will meet on Thursday for the first session of an inquiry into the future of markets in Leeds, in particular Kirkgate Market. Councillors will hear evidence from traders, shoppers, industry experts, chamber of commerce and others ahead of a final report due in February.

A new strategy for Kirkgate is expected to be presented to the council's Executive committee on December 15.

The scrutiny committee report says that last year there were 10 million visitors to Kirkgate Market, a decline from 12 million 10 years ago.

Research by students at Leeds Metropolitan University revealed that the majority of Kirkgate Market shoppers were over 50 and that one third of people they questioned were not aware of

the market, nor even its

location.

Improved marketing is central to the success of the market, the report says.

It concludes that Kirkgate needs to "adapt and change" to ensure it continues to be a key attraction.

It warns: "There is no doubt this is a critical moment for both the markets industry and Kirkgate Market, and it is important to appreciate that Kirkgate Market is not alone in its situation. There clearly exists a long term opportunity but short term challenges have to be carefully considered. Clarity and consensus is required on how the market can maximise opportunities and minimise challenges surrounding its offer."

The strategy may need to be "decisive and bold", according to the National Association of British Market Authorities, which is quoted in the report.

"NABMA argues that authorities have two options to deal with struggling markets. They can either allow their markets to continue to decline or they can be decisive and bold.

"Those deciding to be bold may have to take a hit in terms of income – which is extremely difficult decision to make in the current climate – but the argument follows that authorities would at least be guaranteed an income for a period."

The report also says that traders themselves can play their part in improving the market – and the look of their own stalls.

"Some traders have made significant investment in their stalls and businesses with their own finance or with funding from the council's business support scheme," says the report.

"Others, however, have not even been prepared to erect a fascia with the correct name of their business identifying what they sell but instead have left the fascia of a previous tenant in place, sometimes for many years."

It adds: "Likewise some traders put a lot of effort into displaying their goods attractively, while others do not."

Councillor Richard Lewis, executive board member with responsibility for development, said: "It is important that Leeds markets are amongst the best in thecountry, and the council are committed to making this happen.

"A paper is going to scrutiny board setting out the current issues facing the market and posing questions on how the council could respond to those issues. We welcome the scrutiny board's input into developing the strategic direction for markets in Leeds, especially Kirkgate.

"A paper will also be going to the executive board in the next couple of weeks, which will look at a strategic process for Kirkgate market to move forward, which will include further consultation with all stakeholders."