Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development providing an update on the findings from public consultation exercise undertaken earlier this year, on the petition organised by the Friends of Kirkgate Market group and outlining the measures taken by the Council to address the issues raised. In addition, the report sets out the strategy for Kirkgate Market in order to ensure the market is sustainable.

Further to Minute No. 123, 15^th December 2010, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the findings from a public consultation exercise undertaken earlier in the year, on the petition organised by the Friends of Kirkgate Market Group and outlining the measures taken by the Council to address the issues raised.  In addition, the report set out the strategy for Kirkgate Market in order to ensure the market was sustainable.

Having received responses to Members’ enquiries regarding rental levels and the potential input of independent retailers into the running of the market, the Chair highlighted the levels of support for the long term future of the market which had been received.

The report noted that full equality impact assessments would be carried out on the different forms of arms-length companies and in determining the optimum size of the market.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Board restates its commitment to the long term future and success of Kirkgate Market.

(b)  That the vision and objectives for Kirkgate Market, as set out within Section 4 of the submitted report, be endorsed.

(c)  That the strategy for Kirkgate Market, as set out within Appendix II of the submitted report be endorsed, specifically in respect of the proposals to:-

i)  move the management and ownership of Kirkgate Market to an arms length company and establish a Project Board and engage expert opinion to consider and recommend the form this should take;

ii)  start consultation with staff and the Trades Unions to inform the recommendations to Executive Board;

iii)  determine the optimum size for the indoor and open markets, after taking expert advice, and determine the necessary steps to reach that size.