Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on the strategy for Kirkgate Market, the recommendations of Quarterbridge Project Management Ltd on the future management and ownership model for Kirkgate Market, its optimum size and various other matters to secure the Market’s future, together with the capital maintenance works programmed for Kirkgate Market. In addition, the report also outlines proposals for taking forward some of the recommendations from Quarterbridge’s report regarding the replacement of some areas of the market and the refurbishment of other halls, and proposes further consideration of the future management and ownership of the market.

The Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the strategy for Kirkgate Market, the recommendations of Quarterbridge Project Management Ltd. on the future management and ownership model for the market, its optimum size and various other matters which would secure it’s future. In addition, the report also detailed the capital maintenance works programmed for the market, whilst also outlining proposals for progressing some of the recommendations from the consultant’s report regarding the replacement of some areas of the market and the refurbishment of other halls, together with proposed further consideration of the market’s future management and ownership. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

In considering the consultant’s recommendations, the Board noted that such recommendations did not commit the Council to a single course of action and that all such recommendations would not be accepted as a matter of course.  Responding to Members’ comments and concerns, assurances were provided that the market would remain within Council ownership, that it was viewed as a great asset to the city and that it needed to adapt in order to meet the new challenges from within retail sector. Clarification was also given to the Board following enquiries in respect of a perceived conflict of interest regarding the consultants.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the recommendations from market specialists,Quarterbridge Project Management Ltd. be noted.

(b)  That the Council’s commitment to ensure a sustainable future for Kirkgate Market be reaffirmed.

(c)  That agreement in principle be given to the market being reduced by 25% and to proceed with a full feasibility study for a modern extension to replace the 1976, 1981 and George Street shops halls and for the refurbishment of 1904 and 1875 halls.

(d)  That agreement be given to retaining the open market and relocating it, following the redevelopment of the indoor market, so that it remains adjacent to the indoor market.

(e)  That agreement be given to hypothecate a proportion of the markets surplus in 2012/13 as a contribution towards the potential revenue and capital costs of redevelopment and refurbishment and to the injection of a scheme into the capital programme, in order to enable a full feasibility study to be undertaken.

(f)  That officers be requested to report back on the outcome of the feasibility study in order to advise the Board on the scope, scale and financial implications of the redevelopment and refurbishment proposals.

(g)  That officers be instructed to explore the advantages and disadvantages of a commercial partnership against the option of the market remaining in the Council’s sole ownership and management.

(h)  That officers be instructed to consider further the feasibility of implementing other matters recommended by Quarterbridge.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor A Carter required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute) 

(Councillor Golton declared a personal interest in this item, due to his involvement in the Markets Forum, and also as due to his family being frequent shoppers at the market)