To
receive a presentation from Mr. Peter Amies, Head of
Community and Environment and Mr. John Trusler, Principal Engineer on the
Farnborough and Aldershot markets.
Minutes:
The Panel received a presentation from Mr. John Trusler,
Principal Engineer, on progress with the Farnborough and Aldershot
markets. The Panel also welcomed Mr. Peter
Amies, Head of Community and Environment to the
meeting.
Mr. Trusler
explained that, in December, 2014, the Cabinet had approved a review of the
operating arrangements for the existing markets and car boot sales in
Rushmoor. In January 2015, Cabinet had
considered the outcomes of the review and supported the recommendations that
the Council should bring the operation of the markets and car boot sales
‘in-house’.
Subsequently, during January and February of 2015, a small
team of Officers from a range of services across the Council had developed the
new business. Mr. Trusler reported that,
although timelines had been tight and this had been a new way of working for
the team, all deadlines had been met and in February, 2015 a new Market
Manager, Claire Farrow, had been appointed.
Mr. Trusler reported that the Farnborough Tuesday market had
successfully opened on 3rd March, 2015, which was thriving and very popular. In May, 2015 the Farnborough Sunday market
had commenced and the Panel was informed that, whilst small in comparison to
the Tuesday market, it was proving popular with the public. In June, 2015 the Saturday market had
commenced in Aldershot, and had played a role in supporting the VE Day
celebrations. In August the official
opening of the Aldershot market had taken place, in conjunction with
celebrating the opening of the new look town centre. Finally, the Aldershot
Thursday market was continuing to grow in popularity with both the traders and
the public.
It was also reported that the Farnborough car boot sale was
very popular with both buyers and sellers and a new pre-booking system had
reduced queuing for sellers. Aldershot
car boot had struggled to regain momentum, but had shown significant
improvement in recent weeks.
With regard to the budget position, Mr. Trusler informed
that Panel that the budget targets for the year of £295,000 would be achieved
and would potentially provide a net additional sum of £97,000 after taking into
account current operating costs and the lost income from the previous markets
provider. The weekday markets were
performing well, the weekend markets were still in development but continuing
to grow. The Farnborough car boot was
highly successful, with some changes having been made which had been well
received. The Aldershot car boot was
improving but would require some additional development. However, it was highlighted that the main aim
had been to improve the vibrancy of the town centres.
The Panel suggested other ideas for themed markets, greater
use of the gazebos, promotional ideas and the possibility of extending the
operating hours for the Farnborough market.
Mr. Trusler reported that future plans would include additional themed
markets as well as the expansion of the Aldershot market. Other plans included the introduction of arts
and crafts, the concentrated growth of the Aldershot car boot, a review of fees
and charges and the introduction of new smart technology for issuing receipts
and recording transactions.
The Panel congratulated Mr. Trusler on
the success of the project and NOTED the
presentation.