Market traders face rent cuts snub

CALLS for an immediate rent reduction for traders at Kirkgate Market are likely to fall on deaf ears when councillors in Leeds meet next week.

However, members are being advised to vote in favour of an independent rent review and the appointment of a new markets manager.

A report warns some of the Kirkgate's troubles may be down to increased competition, the fact the traditional market shopper may be dying out and a need for better marketing.

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Traders and councillors have in recent weeks raised concerns over the market's long-term future as businesses battle the impact of the recession. Traders have called for a rents reduction and investment in what is Europe's largest indoor market.

A report to members of Leeds City Council's executive committee on Tuesday says: "Customers expectations are rising, the traditional market shopper is literally dying out and many tenants are not changing with the times to attract younger often more demanding customers..."

It says customers often want to try on goods and pay small amounts on debit cards, services which many traders do not offer, and shop on Sundays.

The report adds: "It is important to place the difficulties many tenants are facing within the context of the rest of the city centre.

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"All retailers have been affected by the recession and this was compounded in Leeds with the bad weather and bus strikes in winter.

"Retailers such as Woolworths, Zavvi, Ainsley's and Borders have all gone out of business. It is inevitable that some more marginal traders will not be able to survive this recession – some were struggling even during the retail boom."

Earlier this year the National Market Traders Federation organised a deputation to the council. It called for the market to be improved, claiming it had been in decline for the past 20 years, and a rent reduction to be offered.

It said: "Market traders, many of whom are long-standing businessmen and women, are struggling to survive due to the low standard of the environment in which they are trading, and the high level of rents which they are being asked to pay for sub-standard conditions."

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However, the report to the Executive Board argues that reducing rents at Kirkgate would not make a significant difference to the overall success of the market.

For example, a 25 per cent cut for a single stall in the 1976 indoor market building would only amount to a 14 a week saving. But members will still be asked to support an independent rent review.

The federation has also urged a reduction in car parking charges in the market and nearby, but the report says this would not guarantee more shoppers as the market car park is well used by people visiting the city centre.

Councillors will be told that an official website that will feature every trader is being developed to promote Kirkgate and other district markets.

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Council chiefs have previously said the market is set for a series of improvements and changes.

Later this month Jamie Oliver's Ministry of Food will open in the market, providing cookery courses and teaching people how to make healthy, balanced meals.

A sum of 250,000 has been set aside for improvements to the market, which the council says will be spent in consultation with traders' representatives.

Stallholders are also being encouraged to make use of a 250,000 scheme launched by the council to offer business advice and grants.